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KANCY 

■ AND 

COMPANY 

iJV ECCENTRIC PIECE IN FOUR ACTS 

(Fboh the German of KOSEN) 



BT 

AUGUSTIN DALY 



As First Acted at Daly's Theatre, Wedmesdat, Febrtjart 34, 1886 




NEW YORK, 1886 
Phintkd as Manxtscbipt for the Author 






COPTBIOHT, 1S85, 

By ATJGTTSTIN DALY. 



TROWS 

PRmTlNQ AND BOOKBINOINO COMPANV, 

NEW YOftK. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 



THE FIRM. 

Original Cast at Daly'i Theatre, 1886. 

MR. EBENBZER GRIFFING : a Caution and a Warning to Par- 
ents and Guardians Mr. James Lewis 

KEIPE O'KEIFE, Esq., in thrall to the " Griffing," as well as to 

his fair Niece Mk. John Drew 

CAPTAIN PAUL RENSELLER, U.S.A., laying siege to the 
"Griffing's" daughter, and to the "GrifEng" him- 
self Mr. Otis Skinnek 

YOUNG MR. SIKES STOGKSLOW: a "Lamb" from the 

Street Mr. George Parkes 

TIPPY BRASHER: a well-managed husband.. Mr. William Gilbert 

JULIUS : a bell-boy at the Windsor Mr. John Wood 

MRS. HULDAH DANGERY : a species of " Safety Deposit 

Company " for a valuable Niece Mrs. G. H. Gilbert 

ORIANA : her Daughter and his Niece Miss Virginia Drbher 

DAISY GRIFFING: his Daughter and her Niece .. Miss Edith Kingdon 

BETSY : the " new girl " at Grifang's Miss May Irwin 

NANCY BRASHER Miss Ada Rehan 

\* The action of the piece is comprised within eleven hours. 



ACT L— NOON ! The Scent of the Jessamine ! 

ACT IL— AFTERNOON ! The Firm of NANCY & CO. gets into Hot 
Water. 

ACT IIL— EVENING ! Several People are made to " Toe " the Mark. 

ACT IV.— MIDNIGHT ! Love's labor's won exactly as you like it, and 
all's well that ends well after The Tempest. 



ACT, I. 

Scene : — Reception room at Geiffing's. Arch l. c. for gen- 
eral entrance. A window down l., above it a door lead- 
ing to Daisy's room; at r. down stage, a door leading to 
O'Keife's room ; at b. c. up stage an arch leading to 
Geiffing's apiartnients ; a mantel and fireptlace, c. In c. 
a table, sofa at r., and easy-chairs at l. ; an air of luxury 
about everything. 

The curtain rises to a lively air {BouHd Sojer Boy). Door- 
bell is heard to ring. Betsy crosses at back from e. c. to 
L. c, and preiently re-enters followed by Captain Ren- 

SELLEE. 

Captain. Mr. Griffing at home ? 

Betsy. Yis sor — what name, p] ease ? 

Captain. Captain Renseller ! \_Putting his hat down c. and 
looking at Betsy.] Ah ! you're a new girl. 

Betsy. I've only been here since yisterday afternoon, sor. 

Captain. Exactly, otherwise you would know me. Take in 
my name, please. [Betsy exits e. c. He sees her off, then 
hurries to the mantel, looks into the vase and says, delighted.] 
A letter ! Daisy is an angel. [Jt^isses and pockets the letter ; 
then produces another from his pocket.'] Here's one by return 
post. [Puts it into the vase.]. Be faithful to us, beloved let- 
ter-box, and let nobody else appropriate your contents. Some 
one coming! \^Crosses to c. hurriedly and sits 'l. c.; Betsy 
and (jKiTYYfiG enter at e. c. Renseller sjfrings up to meet 
hitii.] Ah ! my dear Mr. Griffing, good morning. 

Griffing. \_A very excitable ynan / constantly moving / full 
of sarcastic humor ; at 2}resent his tone denotes inward anger, 
although he speaks very politely.] Good morning, Captain. 
[Betsy exits.] 

Captain. Allow me to shake your honest hand. 

Griffing. \_JEvading the shake.] Yes, exactly. \_Forced 
shake.] What can I do for you this morning ? 

Capitain. I merely looked in to ask after your health. 

Griffing. Humph ! you are too kind. You've done the 
same thing every day for three months. 

Captain. Until it has become an affectionate necessity. 



6 NANCT AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. You're too good. Don't trouble yourself any 
longer. I've enjoyed the best of health— for years. 

Captain. When I first met you, three months ago, you 
seemed indisposed. Miss Daisy thought so too. 

Griffing. You seem to attach a great deal of importance 
to my daughter's opinions. 

Captain. The greatest importance. 

Griffing. Indeed ! Well, since you come right out, so will 
I. Please be seated. YBoth sit.^ 

Captain. You're very kind. 

Griffing. You were introduced to us last summer at Sara- 
toga, by an old friend of mine. 

Captain. Yes, Judge Moob}'. I can never repay him. 

Griffing. Nor I either. Since that time you have followed 
us as if we were your flag. 

Captain. I was drawn irresistibly. 

Griffing. But I observed that you generally came to see 
me when I was out. 

Captain. That was my misfortune. 

Griffing. And you preferred to converse with me through 
the intermediary of my daughter. 

Captain. I wanted to make my comminiications as agree- 
able as possible. 

Griffing. Thanks for j'our consideration. As I was blind 
enough not to appreciate your attachment to me, I left the 
Springs and returned to tlie city. 

Captain. It was a hard blow. 

Griffing. Which you parried strategically — by following 
us. 

Captain. I have six months' leave of absence. 

Griffing. And nothing to do but inquire after my health. 

Captain. It is a pleasure, not a duty. 

Griffing. [TJises.] Stuff! 

Captain. Stuff, my dear Mr. 

Griffing. Stuff and nonsense ! Whenever we meet, we 
feed each other with polite phrases. I, because you're a 
gentleman and an officer ; you, because Daisy is my daughter. 
Now let's drop all that and speak our honest sentiments. 

Gap>tain. \^Rises^ I ask nothing better. 

Griffing. Now, your honest sentiment is about this : " I 
don't care a rap for you, old fellow — all I want is Daisy." 

Captain. \^Admiringly.'\ How on earth did you- ? 

Griffing. Guess it ? Because my sentiment is simply 
this: "No popinjay in uniform shall have my daughter!" 
[ Crosses, n.] 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 7 

United States — a small but respectable class of citizens. 
[Sits L. of table.] 

Griffitig. Heaven forbid that I should insult our small 
but respectable army. I love the army — and the navy, too. 
I'm the first to appreciate them in times of war, street riots, or 
other dangers. But not when I want to marry my daughter. 

Captain. What objection have you to me ? 

Griffing. Because you're a sad dog. 

Captain. Oh ! oh ! 

Griffing. I've been making inquiries about you. Your 
father has had to pay your debts twice. You're fond of 
champagne, cards, and sport generally. 

Captain. I'll reform. 

Griffing. My son, we never reform, I know. I've been a 
sad dog in my day, too. 

Captain. You too ? 

Griffing. Me too. 

Captain. Impossible ! 

Griffing. That is, in theory. 

Captain. Oh ! you've been a sad dog in theory only. 

Griffing. Yes. [Jienseller laughs.] Just as I was about 
to be engulfed by the vortex of folly, I was saved by a lucid 
interval. 

Captain. Indeed ! and what particular folly were you 
most inclined to? 

Griffing. Being a widower, my folly was beauty. If it 
hadn't been for my lucid intervals, I should have been lost. 

Captain. How singular ! That's my particular folly, too. 
How did yoic save yourself? 

Griffing. My treatment wouldn't do you any good. You 
haven't the moral strength. But it's no secret. Whenever I 
found myself bewitched by the siren of the hour, I procured 
her photograph. 

Captain. Her photograph ? That's nothing extraordinary. 

Griffing. \_Artfully.] But what did I do with these pho- 
tographs ? [Paaise.] I put them into an album. 

Captain. Even that has been attempted before. 

Griffing. Now comes the point. In my lucid intervals, I 
placed my own portrait next that in the album, and contem- 
plated the two side by side. Then I pictured myself taking 
the adored one to the altar as my second wife. In a moment 
1 could hear the comments of my acquaintances — the pity, the 
sarcasm, the contempt, the derision ! — until I got so furious 
that I alvvays tore out my own picture and tossed it into the 
fire. And that's the way I managed to remain a widower. 
[ Walks up and down.] Which is the main thing. 



8 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Captain. [^Eying him through his glass.] It isn't every- 
body can do that successfully. You have the advantage of 
most men. 

Griffing. I have a great advantage, for I know that I am 
neither handsome nor young. But I'm not reformed. I spend 
a lot of money on photographs yet. I've got ten albums full. 
I keep the last under lock and key. 

Captain. [Hising.] Well, in your case that's a very harm- 
less amusement. But now, to go back to our starting-place. 

Griffing. Well ? 

Captain. You deny me every hope ? 

Griffing. I won't trust my daughter with you. [ Crosses, 
L.] You're too great a favorite with the fair sex. I won't 
have my girl devoured by jealousy. 

Captain. Is that your only reason ? 

Griffing. No. I've promised her to somebody else. 

Captain. Oh ! old and ugly ? 

Griffing. No, but not dangerous. Nobody could possibly 
try to deprive her of any part of his affection. 

Captain. Who is he ? 

Griffing. I suppose you want to frighten him off. 

Captain. Certainly not — if Miss Daisy loves him. 

Griffing. Daisy is a child — and loves toys. He will buy 
her richer toys than yoM could. [ Crosses, e.] So don't waste 
your precious time. Give us up. 

Captaiti. Am I never to ask after your health again ? 

Griffing. Not for the present. When Daisy is married, 
you may resume if you care to. 

Captain. Thanks ! Thanks ! And now, farewell forever. 

Griffing. [Shaking his hand.] If you wish to be happy, 
break yourself of being so attractive. 

Captain. [Shaking his hand.] You will think with some 
regret of me when I am at a distance. 

Griffiiig. The greater the distance — the less the regret. 

Captain. Farewell ! Farewell, — farewell ! [Exits, L. c] 

Griffing. Well, I've got rid of that pest at last. Now he's 
out we'll keep him out. [ Touches bell on table.] 

Setsy. [Entering, l. c] Was it you was afther ringing, 
sor ? 

Griffing. [Aside.] Yes. [Struck by Tier appearance — after 
a pause.] Our new girl ! Remarkably pretty. Quite an air, 
too. 

Betsy. Was it you rung, sor ? 

Griffing. You saw tliat military gentleman who just left ? 

Jietsy. Yis, sor, I seed him. 

Griffing. I'm never at home when he calls. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 9 

Betsi/. Yis, sor ! [ Going.'] 

Griffing. Stop a moment. \^^Yalkmg round her.] How- 
do you like your new place ? 

Jjetsy. Oh ! I think I'll like it very much, sor. 

Grijfing. Indeed ! 

Hetsy. I think I'd better be going, sor. 

Griffing. \Gruffly.] Ugh ! Don't be scared. I want to 
speak to my daughter. 

lietsij. Shall I call Miss Daisy ? [ Cro««es, l. ] 

Grijfing. Yes. [£etsg goes.] Stop a moment more. 
[Smiles at her.] 

JBetsy. [Hesitating, astonished.] Ye — yes — sor ! 

Griffing. [Beckons her to him. She steps back timidly.] 
Have you got a photograph ? 

Betsy. S — sor ? 

Griffing. It is a rule of my house, not only to require cer- 
tificates of character with my servants, but their photographs 
as well. So if 3'ou haven't one already, go and have your 
portrait taken at once at my expense. 

Betsy. [Blubbers.] It's not a thief that I am, and I won't 
be stuck up in the Rogues' Gallery. 

Griffin. [Laughs.] Pooh ! [Sweetly.] It's only a mark 
of regard for my faithful domestics. 

Betsy. [Aside:'] Well, I never ! Did you ever hear the 
bate ov that ? I wonder if he's in earnest. [Exits, L.] 

Griffing. Pull up, Ebenezer ! I begin to feel myself drawn 
in by the vortex. Oh, beauty — beauty ! Even in the house- 
maid thou art omnipotent. 

Daisy. [Entering \..v>., with Betsy.] You want me, papa? 
[Drawling tone.] 

Griffi^ng. Yes. [ Crosses c] Betsy, leave us ! [ JV'i?iks 
at her and motio7is her away.] 

Betsy. [Excited, makes a bolt toward hint.] Hem ! 
[Coughs, and approaches him, aside.] Sor ! Sor ! Carte de 
visite — vignette — or cabinet ? 

Griffing. [Confused.] Whatever you like. Go away. 

Betsy. Then I'll have an imperial panel. [Exits, l. c] 

Daisy. What does she want, pa ? 

Griffing. She ? — Oh ! Betsy ? She — a — boiler is burst, or 
something. But no matter now. I want to talk to you seri- 
ously. Captain Renseller has been here again. 

Daisy. [Pouting, looking round.] Why didn't you let 
me know ? 

Griffing. Here! HereJ! What's this? 

Daisy. [Earnestly.] You must call me the ne.xt time he 
comes. 



10 [nancy and company. 

Griffing. \_Angrily.'] He'll never come again ! 

Daisy. Oh ! pa ! [Alarmed.'] 

Griffing. I requested him to favor us vfith his forgetful- 

J)aisy. Why ? 

Griffing. Because he pays you too much attention. 

Daisy. Is that a crime ? 

Griffing. I don't like him. 

Daisy. But I like him ! I'm sure he's perfectly amiable 
and well-bred. 

Griffing. We're all amiable and well-bred before marriage. 
Besides, I've got the very husband for you in my mind's 
eye. 

Daisy. [Pleased.'] For me ? Who is it ? 

Griffing. The son of my old friend Stockslow, the broker, 
who retired with two millions. 

Daisy. [Pettishly.] What? Little Siksey Stockslow ! That 
conceited, insufferable goose, that every girl laughs at ? 
[Crosses, l.] 

Griffing. Don't give 'em a chance to catch him, or they'll 
laugh at you. He's rolling in money. Such men are never 
ridiculous. 

Daisy. [Romantically.] I could never love him in this 
world. 

Griffing. Oh ! rubbish ! He'll build you a splendid house, 
filled with frescoes and electric lights, and all the modern im- 
provements ; give you a satin-lined carriage, and ten ser- 
vants to dance attendance on you. 

Daisy. I don't like that kind of ballet. [Seroiccdly.] Bet- 
ter a tallow candle and true love, than electric lights and dark- 
ness here ! [Hand to her Jieart.] 

Griffing. Bosh ! With electric light you can't have dark- 
ness anywhere. Come ! If you have formed any other ideas, 
put them out of your head at once. No one but young Sikes 
Stockslow shall have my blessing. 

Daisy. Why can't 1 be as happy as my cousin Oriana— 
Aunty lets her have the man she wants, although he is only a 
poet. 

Griffing. She hasn't got him 3'et. I've got him — under 
probation, locked in that room yonder. So far, the fellow has 
behaved very well, I admit. But sooner or later I'll detect 
him in something — give him his walking papers, save your 
cousin, and laugh at her foolish mother. 

Daisy. [Half erying.] Pa ! you're cruel ! [Throws herself 
into chair, r. of table.] 

Griffing. No, I'm not. I'm an exemplary parent. Shall 



NANCY AND COMPANY. H 

my daughter tremble at every rumor of the redskins rising on 
the plains? No — she shall live in the shadow of marble ])il- 
lars — under^ frescoed ceilings and gilded cornices, with her 
placid broker. That's what I call repose. [Mints, e. c] 

Daisy. [Risingl] I don't want repose. [Stamps her foot 
pOKtinffli/.] I won't have Siksey Stockslow, if I have to die 
an old maid. I love my darling captain, and papa has got to 
give way at last. So he was here ! [A smile breaks over her 
face, she glances toward mantel c, then runs to the vase and 
takes out the letter.'] I knew I'd find traces of him. [ Opens and 
reads.'] " My adored girl." [Kisses the letter.] " Your father 
will probably interdict my visits." — He foresaw it ! — "After this, 
therefore, 1 shall have to call upon some other inmate of your 
house. I have selected j'our lodger — Mr. Keife O'Keife, the 
poetical gentleman. See him at once, my darling. Tell 
iiim that I am the most intimate friend of his youth — that I 
cannot exist without his company, and that I shall call on him 
every day, and entreat him to read all his plays and poems to 
me, for several hours every day." Capital. So the captain will 
still come to the house, and our correspondence won't be in- 
terrupted. \_R>(ns to door, u., and calls off softly.] Keife — Mr. 
Keife ! One minute, if you please. Steal out softly, so papa 
won't hear you. He's in his observatory. 

Keife 0^ Keife. [A rather elegant gentleman, enters on tip- 
toe froin E.J What is it. Miss Daisy? 

Daisy. Mr. Keife, you've heard me speak of Captain Ren- 
seller ? 

Keife. Never ! 

Daisy. Well, it don't matter. We met at Saratoga. Anv- 
how, he's an old college chum of yours, who hasn't seen you 
for ten years. Only to-day, for the first time, he learned 
you were living with us. Of course' he'll call on you. He'll 
call every day. Yes. And you'll read your plays to him for 
hours and hours. 

Keife. Well ! But I don't know any person of his name. 
[Crosses, l.] 

Daisy. But you must know him. See here, haven't I as- 
sisted you and Oriana ? Remember how you gave pa 3'our 
word of honor not to correspond with her for three months. 

Keife. Well, haven't I kept my word. 

Daisy. By m\ help. [He takes her hand.] Oriana wrote 
to me ; 1 read her letters out to you ; and then I wrote back 
to her what you confided to me. Now I'll make you a fair 
ofl'er : You begin to remember your old friend. Captain Ren- 
seller, instantly, and I'll read you a letter I just received from 
Oriana. 



12 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Keife. I begin to see daylight, but there's a slight mist 
yet. Please explain 

Daisy. You, a poet ? Where's your imagination ? Pa 
has requested Paul — that's my captain — to discontinue his 
visits to Mm ; so he'll call on yon ! Understand now ? 

Keife. [Jllumi/ted.] Ah, I see ! You love the captain/ 

Daisy. I didn't say anything of the sort. [ Crosses, l.] 
But Vm glad to find you can guess something. Now decide : 
are you and Paul old college chums, or are you not ? 

Keife. Chums ! friends ! twins ! Why, 1 love him like a 
brother ! — like a twin brother ! Now are you satisfied ? 

Daisy. Perfectly. And for your reward, I'll inform you 
that Aunt Huldah and Cousin Oriana will be here to-day. 

Keife. \_Dclighted.'\ To-day ? Before my time of proba- 
tion is over? Is the time of my torment to be shortened ? 

Daisy. Has your stay in our house been so very painful, 
then ? [Jlirows herself on the sofa, k. He sits e. of centre 
tahle.^ 

Keife. Excessively ! Your father is worse than a grand 
inquisitor. As I am a literary person, he looks upon me, with 
his mercantile senses, as a sort of outcast or pariah. Ever 
since the fatal day I loved your cousin and asked for her hand, 
and pledged myself to submit to any test he chose to propose, 
he has kept me here as a captive guest, to study my charac- 
ter, disposition, and habits, as a condition of giving his consent. 
I have to hold out a fortnight longer, now ; but what haven't 
I endured for the last ten weeks ! \^Itisinfj.^ He has estab- 
lished an observatory and quarantine adjoining my room. He 
receives my guests ; he has my every move and step dogged 
and watched ; converses with me for hours to try and wring a 
confession of former errors and escapades from my innocent 
lips, and upbraids me for hypocrisy when I disappoint him. 

Daisy. \^Rising.^ Pa has his little eccentricities, certainly. 
Look how he treats me. [Crosses, l.] 

Keife. And so Oriana is coming to-day ! To-day! [With 
meaning.'] That's a good omen. 

Daisy. A good omen of what? 

Keife. I can't tell you that ; but do you think you could 
induce Oriana to go to the theatre to-night .^ 

Daisy. To the theatre to-night ? 

Keife. To the theatre to-night ! 

Daisy. [Wotideringly.] Why, there's a new play pro- 
duced to-night. You wrote it. [Poi7itediy.] 

Keife. No, no ; I didn't write it. But I wish her to see 
it. 

Daisy. [Laughing.] Are you sure it is not by you ? 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 13 

Keife. It appears to be an anonyuious production. 

Daisy. Oh, indeed ! How do you do, Mr. Incognito ? 

Keife. Daisy, you're mistaken. 

Daisy. Never mind. We'll all go to the theatre to-night. 
\Crosses,'R.,andlistens.^ Sh ! I think I hear pa coming. Don't 
forget ! \_Crosses hach, l.] Captain Renseller is your oldest 
and dearest friend. Good-bye, Mr. Anonymous. \Exits, l. d.] 

Keife. I'm afraid I betrayed too much of the secret there. 
She has guessed" that I am concerned in the new plav, and will 
tell it every where. \S,its on edge of table, l. c] Especially to 
Oriana. Oriana ! my muse ! my goddess ! If my probation 
were only over ! 

Griffing. [Enters from above, R.] Hollo ! hollo ! what's 
this ? Wandering about the house ? Remember your pledge ! 
What are you doing here ? 

Keife. \_IIesltating, risesi\ I don't know. I must have 
stepped out in a fit of abstraction ! 

Grijfing. Indeed ? Humph ! Hah ! well [Suddenly.] 

There was a visitor called here to-day for you ! 

Keife. [Hurt.] And j'ou sent him away ? 

Griffing. Yes I sent him away, .ffiwi was a lady ! [.ffeen^y.] 

Keife. [3Iild surprise.] A lady ? 

Griffing. A beautiful lady ! Tall, fine eyes, musical voice, 
elegant figure, striking appearance ! 

Keife. [Jjooks at him.] Who can it be? [Turns away, 
thinking.] 

Grijfing. Exactly. Who can it be? Can't you think ? 

Keife. [Krankly.] Not the remotest suspicion. 

Griffing. She perfumed the air with jessamine. Don't 
you know any lady who uses jessamine for a perfume ? 

Keife. None. 

Griffing. That's very strange. She vpanted to see you par- 
ticularly. I told her that you received visitors only in my 
presence. 

Keife. How could 'you ? What will people think of me ? 
[ Crosses stage, l. ] 

Griffing. I don't care what they think. I hold the reins 
for the present, and I don't intend to let up on such a liard- 
hoiled sinner as you are for a moment. 

Keife. This is simply degrading. 

Griffing. [Digs him in the side.] Come, now, confess — 
Who is she ? 

Keife. Don't I tell you I don't know? 

Griffing. Look among your old photographs — [Archly.] 
you may find her. 

Keife. Did she leave no message? 



14 NANCT AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. Yes. When she was going, she said she must 
see you alone. You'll admit, I suppose, that this sounded 
suspicious ? 

Keife. I admit nothing. You may suspect what you 
please. It's a matter of perfect indifference to me. 

Griffing. [JSi/es him.] Hypocrite ! 

Betsy. \_Enters, L. c] Young Mr. Sikes Stockslow jist 
called, sor. 

Griffi'ng. Show him in. [Betsg e.viis, l. c] Oblige me 
by retiring to your room, my dear fellow, but make no attempt 
to receive the suspicious lady with the jessamine perfume. 
I'll be on the watch. 

Keife. Sir ! \^Outburst.'\ When is this thraldom to end ! 
YExits, K. D.] 

Griffing. It will end as soon as I have proven you to be 
no better than the rest of us. 

Young Stockslow. \_Enters, l. c. Jle is a blase young 
man, dressed in exaggerated fashion.'] Morning, little papa ! 
[Titters.] 

Griffing. Not on 'Change to-day ? 

Stockslow. -Made a pretty little pile by a nice little spec 
yesterday, so gave myself a little rest to-day, and thought 
I'd come to have a little talk over matrimony with little 
papa. 

Griffing. Gootl ! Sit down. 

Stockslore. [Sits r. of table.] Well ! [Titters.] How 
about little daughter? 

Griffing. [Sits on sofa, e.] Oh ! she's agreeable. 

Stocksloio. Fond of me — little bit ? 

Griffing. Oh ! we couldn't ask her that, you know. 

Stock.slovx It'll come when she sees my little house. She'll 
have one little room Louis Quinze ; one Japanese with two 
trumeaux, with frames that wide ; French rideaitx with 
Brussels lace ; Lyonese covers ; little panels by Coleman ; 
little picture by Vedder ; my photo in little parlor, life size, 
on horseback, bv little Sarony— -wonderful likeness, nice little 
horsey. 

Griffing. [Aside.] He thinks more about the house and 
the horse than he does about the wife. 

Stockslow. Little country place, too ; little garden, little 
trees — a hundred feet high ; two little busts on gate — nice 
little heads. 

Griffing. Why, have you moved into your new house yet ? 

Stockslow. Move in on wedding-day. Living now at nice 
little hotel ; little Windsor. 

Griffing. Well, when would you like to speak to Daisy ? 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 15 

Stocksloio. Right now, on the spot. That's the sort of lit- 
tle m.-in I am. 

Betsy announcing, l. c. 

Betsy. Captain Renseller. 

Griffing. \Bounds up.^ Not at home. 

Betsy. \Stoittly.'\ Och ! it's not yourself he's after. 

Griffing. Who, then ? 

Captain enters, l. c. 

Captain. Good morning, again. Oh ! you secretive man ! 
You Egyptian sphinx ! Here have I been visiting you for 
months, and just learned by chance that the friend of my 
youth, the one person I have yearned to see for 3-ears, is living 
in your house. 

Griffing. [Testily. "[ You promised me 

Captain. Not to inquire after j'our health again. I don't. 
Your health is quite indifferent to me. I've come to see my 
old friend Keife. Where is Keife ? [71:) Betsy.] Which is 
Mr. O'Keife's room ? [Betsy points e. and exits, l. c] Ah ! 

Griffing. [Meditatively.'] So you know Mr. O'Keife, eh? 

Captain. Do I know O'Keife ? Why, we were almost 
rocked in the same cradle. Keife, mv dear fellow, where are 
you ? O'Keife ! 

O'Keife enters from b. d. 

G' Keife. I believe I hear my name. [Aside.\ A stranger ! 
This must be my old college chum. 

Griffing. [ Who has been eying both."] Well, well — don't 
you recognize your old friend, who was rocked in the same 
cradle with you ? 

O'Keife. [Assuming surprise.'] Can it be possible ? 

Captain. Doesn't your heart answer ? [Opens his arms.] 

Keife. [ Opens his arms.] My long lost foster-brother. 
[They meet.] Ah ! [They embrace.] Griffing gets e., 
Stockslow, l.] 

Captain. [Aside.] Much obliged, old fellow. 

Keife. [Same.] Command me. 

Caj)tain. [Pretending to wipe his eyes.] How the tears 
will come at such a moment. [Grosses to Griffing.] My 
dear sir, you have gained another lodger. From this moment 
I shall remain day and night with my long lost friend. He 
must read all his works to me, as he did in infancy. Come, 
my dear friend, let's celebrate this meeting alone. [Exeunt 



16 KANCY AND COMPANY. 

with O'Keife, arm, in arm. Embrace again at door.l 
Ah ! 

Griffing. That's all a trick ; too much, ah ! There's some 
plot hatching. 1 must hurry this marriage. [7b Stockslow.] 
Do you know Captain Renseller? 

Stockslow. Only by sight — a nice little fellow. 

Griffing. I believe he's in love with Daisy. 

Stockslow. Has he got the snug little pile that I have? 
[ Crosses, e.] 

Griffing. No. So you're not jealous ? 

Stockslow. Not of a fellow who can't drive her out in his 
own little dog-cart. Not much. 

Gi-iffing. I'll call Daisy. You must speak to her at once 
— but cautiously. If she takes fright and runs away, you are 
smashed up, dog-cart and all. [Goes to door, l., and calls.'] 
Daisy ! 

Stockslow. [JSxamining himself in glass.] Hope I look 
fresh from little band-box. 

Daisy re-enters timidly from l. d. 

Daisy. [Sees Stockslow, and aside, pettishly.] Oh, dear ! 
[Aloud.] What is it, pa ? 

Griffing. I needn't introduce young Mr. Stockslow, mv 
love ; you know him. He has something to say to you. 
Listen attentively, and answer him like a good and dutiful 
daughter. [To Stochs'low, aside.] You had better begin by 
telling her all about the house. Take her mind off yourself as 
much as possible. [JSxits, e. c] 

Daisy. Whj', pa ? 

Stocksloio. [He boics to her. She turns her back on him. 
He regards her. Aside.] Awful nice little girlie ! [Titters. 
She starts aioay.] Make awful nice little wifey ! She'll dress 
up my housey splendidlj'. [Titters.] 

Daisy. [Aside. Her back to him.] Paul is here. He 
must have an explanation with Mr. Stockslow immediately. 
They must settle it between them. 

Stockslow. [Followiiig her as she retreats gradually to l.] 
Hem ! I suppose little papa told you what I came for. 
[Titters.] What the little attraction is ? 

Daisy. Oh ! yes. And I'll inform you at once what the 
counter-attraction is. [Crosses, e.] 

Stocksloio. [Tittei's.] Don't understand little joke ! 

Daisy. No ? Wait a minute and you will. [Goes r. and 
opens 0' Keifis door^ 

O'Keife. [Is heard declaiming iiiside.] 



an 



NAJSTCT AND COMPANY. 1 / 

" The blossoms fall and nightingales are mute, 
As through the trees forsaken by their song 
The chilling blasts of autumn sweep along ; 
And to my happiness I sing my last salute." 

Daisy. [ Calling of.'] Hist ! Hist ! 

O'Keife. [Inside.] " O for the lost and blissful hours of 
love ! " 

Captain. [Steals to door.] What is it ? 

CKeife. [Inside.] " O happy hours we spent in yonder 
(jrove ! " 

Daisy. [Whispering.] Tell Mr. O'Keife to go on reading, 

d you come out, [Renseller kisses her and goes back.] 

CKeife. [Inside.] 

" Oh, shady foliage that concealed our kiss ! 
Oh, murmuring leaflets rustling at our bliss ! " 



Captain reappears and closes door after him. 

Captaiti. Here I am. 

Daisy. [ To Stockslow, tcho has watched her op>erations in 
astonishment.] Mr. Stockslow, this is Captain Renseller. 
[To Captain.] Pa wants me to marry him. I won't. Break 
it to him gently. [Aloudi] As you gentlemen have impor- 
tant business together — good-morning. [E.vits, L. d.] 

Captain. [ Very polite^ You are a friend of Mr. Grif- 
fing's ? 

Stockslow. I am going to marry his daughter. 

Captain. So am I. 

StocMoic. Both of us? Oh, no. [Titters.] The little 
grand jury would object. 

Captain. Not at all. I intend to marry her first. 

Stockslow. See here ! you're joking ! 

Captain. No, sir, I'm not. 

StocksJote. I have papa's word. 

Captain. I have daughter's ! 

Stockslow. Little daughter will do what little papa says. 
[Titters.] 

Captai?!. Ordinarily. But in this instance I doubt it. 
[ Crosses, l.] 

Stocksloic. See here, little chappie ! You wan.t to get up a 
row witli me. 

Captain. [Daws.] Permit me to disclaim any intention 
of inflicting personal injury upon you. 
o 



18 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Stockslow. [Bows, tries to take his hcmd.] I reciprocate 
your sentiments cordiallj'. 

Ccqytain. Only you mustn't be offended if I steal away the 
bride. 

Stockslow. I won't give you the chance. 

Captain. Shall we make a bet ? 

Stochslow. Don't care ! What is it ? 

Captain. The one who gets left shall be best man at the 
other's wedding and pay for the bachelor supper. Is it 
agreed ? 

Stockslow. \_Shaking hands.^ Done. 

Captain. Come and lunch with me. AVe'll seal the bar- 
gain over a bottle of Cordon Rouge! 

Stochslow. I'm agreeable ! [Struck with an idea.'] And 
after lunch I'll show you my little housey ! Her little housey ! 

Captain. Good ! Come along ! \Exeunt, l. c] 

O'Keife is heard reading. 

" Oh, shady foliage that concealed our kiss ! 
Oh, murmuring leaflets rustling at our bliss ! " 

Griffing. [He-entering .] That fellow reads beautifully. 
I wouldn't have thought he had it in him. [ioo/iS around.] 
But Where's that booby ? and Daisy? I hope she hasn't re- 
jected him. Perhaps they've gone in to hear the reading. 
[ Goes softly to O'Keife's door and op>ens it.] 

Keife. [Declaiming, inside.] 

" The lightning strikes and thunder-clouds are flying, 
And storms are raging- through the lonely grove." 

Griffing. He's alone. Not even the Captain with him. 
What's become of them ? [To O'Keife.] I say — come here ! 
Keife. [Enters, finishing his declamation.] 

"The youngness of the beautiful grows old, 
And on thy lips the bride's sweet lips seem cold ; 
And in the crowd of joys — upon thy throne 
Thou sit'st in state and hardenest into .stone." 

Griffing. [Takes the book.] What is that ? [Heads title.] 
You've been reading somebody else's poems. 
Keife. [Placidly.] I ahvays do. 
Griffing. [Giving book back.] That's why I liked them. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 19 

Where's that other fellow, who was almost rocked in the same 
cradle with you ? 

Keife. [(grosses, l.] Isn't he hero ? I never noticed his 
going'. 

Griffing. I see. You were reading for my benefit while 
he sneaked off to find my daughter? \^F'uriousJ\ It was a 
plot ! You shall pay me for this ! Do 3'ou hear ? You are 
the chief conspirator, and I promise you I'll make the last 
daj's of your probation worse than a congressional investiga- 
tion. [Crosses l., at door, calli/u/.^ Daisy ! 

Daisy. [Entering, l. d.] What do you want now, pa ? 

Griffing. Where is Mr. Stockslow ? [Keifb goes tq) c, 
then drops in chair hij table, reading.] 

Daisi/. I left him with Captain Renseller. 

Griffing. [Alanned.] Good gracious ! That fellow will 
murder him ! 

Daisy. I think not. I saw them both going away arm in 
arm. 

Griffing. Arm in arm ! Worse and worse ! [^IszV^e.] 
Stockslow is an ass, and the Captain is more dangerous than 
I thought. [To Daisy.] Did Mr. Stockslow propose? 

Daisy. [Crosses, e.] Oh, no, pa ! He knew I wouldn't 
accept him. 

Griffing. This is open rebellion. Now I'll quarantine you. 

Daisy. [Indignant.] You mean to say that I'm to be 
locked up, pa ? 

Griffing. I mean to say that I won't have you plotting 
with this double-dyed hypocrite. [Points to O'Keife.] I'll 
let you both know that I won't be trifled with. 

Daisy. Pa, I am your daughter, and I can be just as deter- 
mined as you can be. I love Paul, and I can't be happy with 
any one else. It lies in your power to refuse him — but you 
can't compel me to marry a ninny who values a wife according 
as she harmonizes with his bric-a-brac and his Louis Quinze 
rooms. There ! And now — Lock me up ! I'm ready ! 

Griffing. This is riot — felony — mobs — where's the military ? 

Keife. The military is on the side of the rioters. 

Griffing. [l.] Don't you be so funny ! I'll attend to 
you. 

Betsy. [ Outside, l. c] Right in there, ma'am. 

Oriana. I'll go up. 

Mrs. Dangery. You needn't announce us. 

Daisy. It's Oriana ! [Runs to c] 

JTeife. The sun rises ! [Runs to r. c] 

Griffing. [^Angrily.] They couldn't come at a worse time ! 
[ Goes toward front, l.] 



20 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Oriana. \In eler/ant street-dress appears, l. c, and embraces 
Daisy.] My dear Dais)' ! 

Daisy. I'm so glad to see you. 

Mrs. Dangery. ^A hearty, gentle old lady, enters.'] We 
have surprised you, brother. \Comes to him and tries to take 
his hands.] 

Grijfing. Yes, you have. Women always make blunders. 

Daisy. [To Keife and Oriana.] Don't stand there like 
sticks — 3'ou two ! When an engaged couple meet after nearly 
three months' absence, I should say a vcee bit of a kiss was 
allowable. > 

Keife. [Opening his arms.] I'm dying for it ! 

Oriana. Oh ! well 

Griffing. [Goes iqj and stepis between them.] Not a foot ! 
His probation hasn't expired. 

Keife. Barbarian ! 

Oriana. [Down l. c] Have j-ou discovered much wick- 
edness in him, uncle ? 

3Irs. Dangery. [ Crosses io O'Keife.] I hope not. [Shakes 
Keife's hand.] 

Grijfing. Up to this time I have no proof. But I have 
clews — and I believe I am on the verge of an awful discovery. 

Oriana. [Lai(g?is.'\ You terrify me. 

Daisy. It's all papa's imagination. 

Keife. [Crosses, c] Like the advertisers of fancy soaps — 
I solicit a trial. 

Grijfing. [Preventing their meeting.] We shall see — at 
all events, before the three months are up, not the slightest 
familiarity is permissible. Even this meeting is against the 
agreement. Mr. O'Keife will go to his room. 

Oriana. Oh ! Shame ! 

Daisy. Oh ! pa ! 

Keife. [To Oeiana.J You trust me ? 

Oriana. With my life. [GmversG pndls her away.] 

Keife. [Mock resignation, to Geiffing.] Then I go re- 
signedly. You may rage — but " I am armed so strong in 
honesty " — you know the rest. [Digs him in the side.] 
[Aside, to D.ii.SY.] Don't forget about this evening — the 
theatre. [E\>vts, e. d.] 

Grijfing. [Crosses <o Daisy.] What's that he whispered ? 
Something about this evening. 

Daisy. [ Crosses <o Oeiana.] A secret which none but 
cousin Oriana must hear. Come, coz — I'll tell you. [Exits, 
icith Oriana, l. d.] 

Mrs. Dangery. [Sits e. of table.] Why don't you stop 
your nonsense, Ebenezer, and give your consent to this mar- 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 21 

riao-c ? Mr. O'Keife appears to be a perfectly model young 
man. 

Griffi/ii/. {_Siis on sofa.] There are no model young men. 
There isn't a man fit to be trusted. 

3frs. Dangery. A very poor compliment to yourself. 

Griffinff. I admit it. ]3ut I'm better than the rest. I'm 
satisfied with photograplis. 

Mrs. Dangery. What has the young- man done ? 

Griffing. Nobody can find out what he has done get. But 
patience. 111 get at it. 

31rs. Dangery. You seem to be in one of 3'our very worst 
humors. 

Griffing. I'm simply furious because I can't bring any- 
thing home to the rascal. Then Daisy won't marry young 
Stockslow, and insists on enlisting the military, and now you 
come pounding in upon me like a water-spout [Mrs. Dangery 
rises], and against our agreement. [Crosses, l.] I wonder 
where I'll stow you away ? How am I to keep those lovers 
apart ? 

31rs, Dangery. You needn't disturb yourself. Oriana 
and I are stopping at the Windsor Hotel. Of course, she 
couldn't remain under the same roof with Mr. O'Keife. 

Griffi.ng. It's some consolation you can see t/iat. 

JBetsg. [E?itei's, l. c, loith card.] Excuse me, sor, but this 
gintleman is standing foreninst the door and [hands card] 
wants to see you particularly. 

Griffing. [Jieeids card.] " Brasher ! " [Asto7iished.] 
What on earth brings him to New York ? [ Crosses to Mi;s. 
Daxgery.] 

3Trs. Dangery. Mr, Brasher ! Tliat's your friend from 
Ohio, isn't it ? Perhaps he's on his wedding-tour. You told 
me he got married. 

Griffing. But that was nearly six months ago. Show Mr. 
Brasher in. [I^xit Detsy, l. c] I've heard that his wife is 
very fascinating. 

3frs. Dangery. Well, I won't stay. I'll get Oriana and 
Tce'll do a little shopping. You'll call on us at the hotel, 
won't you? No. 115, third floor. [Going.] 

Griffing. Why don't you live on the roof at once ? 

3Irs. Dangery. Take the elevator. [Exits, l. d.] 

Tippy Brasher enters, well dressed, impulsive, yet shy — a 
qiiick, nervous manner, yet thoroughly gentlemanly. 

Griffing. By Jove ! How you look ! Why, what's the 
matter with vou ? 



22 NAKCT AND COMPANY. 

Brasher. [After glancing all around timidly, gets to him 
excitedly — grasps both his hands, and says tremhlingly.] I'm 
in an awful trouble ! awful ! 

Griffing. You alarm me ! 

Brasher. [ 2hkes both Griffing's hands, then sinks on the 
sq/a.] My wife has bolted. 

Griffing. Impossible ! 

Brasher. Did you know Nancy? [Starts np.^ 

Griffing. No — 1 

Brasher. Then don't say anything was impossible to 
her. 

Griffing. I was prevented from accepting the invitation to 
your wedding. 

Brasher. I wish T could describe Nancy to you : She's an 
angel. Beautiful as a sunny day. Hair like melted gold. Eyes 
deep and clear — just like a mountain-lake. Her figure like a 
pine-tree. Her disposition that of a child. Her brain equal 
to ten men. That's my wife. [ Crosses, l.] That's my Nancv. 
[Sinks iti chair l. of tahle.^ 

Griffing. Allow me. You forgot something. You left 
out the " foot of the gazelle " — that pirobably caused her to 
bolt. [Sits -R. of tablc.^ 

Brasher. [Starting up.'\ Then she has bolted ? 

Griffing. So you say ! 

Brasher. I only surmise it. [-Sm^'s back and puts his hat, 
a white hat, on the table.'] Listen ! We married for love. Do 
you know what that means ? 

Griffing. I have ten volumes of photographs. 

Brasher. We lived like doves ! My wife was playful as 
an infant. Suddenly she changed : grew silent and fond of 
solitude. Took to sitting up whole nights ! What for? To 
write ! Write what ? That's a secret. She begged, and 
wheedled, and pouted — until I let her alone. Yesterday she 
told me she wanted to visit a sick relation in New York ; 
would only be gone two days. I offered to go with her, but 
she wouldn't have it. Insisted on going alone. Asked me if I 
didn't trust her ? if I doubted her love aijd fidelity ? if I 
wanted to kill her with suspicion— and with that she flung 
her arms round me. [Fiercely.] I had to g-ive in, hadn't I ? 

Griffing. You had ! Anybody would ! 

Brasher. [Controls himself with an cffoii.] 1 did give in. 
Saw her off to the train myself and let her go. She did seem 
agitated at the last. After she was gone, I began to think 
I had been duped. I went to her room. Everything in order. 
[Grasps Griffing.] Suddenly my eye fell upon the grate! 

Griffing. Yes. 



NANCY AND COMPANT. 23 

Brasher. Here, among the ashes, was a great heap of 
burnt papers. 

Grijfing. I see. You rushed for the poker and rummaged 
among 'em. 

Brasher. I did — and found nothing. Suddenly I saw a 
piece of paper lodged in the flue, where it had been carried 
by the draught. 

Grlffing. I see. 

JBrasher. [Rises and jyuUs a half-burnt enveloj^e out of his 
pocket.^ It was a half-burnt envelope addressed [j-eacfo] 
" Stanley Thorn." [Jicpeats, lookinff at Griffing.] Stanley 
Thorn ! Who is Stanley Thorn ? What business has he witii 
my wife — or she with him ? [ JValks up and doivn.] 

Griffinc/. \_T'urns over the envelojye.^ The address is burnt 
off. Is tliis her writing ? 

Brasher. \St02}S.] No. [ Walks up and doion.'] 

Griffing. Then she don't write to him ? 



Brasher. \_Stops.^ No ! Worse ! She's gone to hi 



xm 



Her agitation, her secrecy, my fears — all point to this. I have 
followed — you shall help me to find them. 

Griffing. [Glasses o«.] I know this writing. 

Brasher. You do? [Grasps him.] Whose is it ? [Fiercelg.] 
His name ? 

Griping. Gently ! gently ! my dear fellow ! I've seen tliis 
handwriting, but where? [Crosses, e.] Let me think ! 

Brasher. Yes, think, but think quick. 

Griffing. Perhaps my file of letters will assist me. Come 
to my room, where we'll look over several hundred I have on 
file from different people. [Goes to door.] 

Brasher. [Sinks into chair.] What am I to do while 
you are looking over several hundred letters? Man alive, I'm 
ready to explode ! 

Griffing. Take a g'lass of water, and sit in a draft to cool. 
Come along ; we'll find the writer. [They exeunt, e. c] 

Betsy. [After they are v-ell off, enters cautiously, L. c, 
looks round, then goes on tip)-toe to O'Keipe's room, and 
knocks.] Sor ! sor ! [He ajjpears at the door.] A lady wishes 
to see you. 

Keife. A lady ! [Staggered.] 

Betsy. A nice one ; all over perfumery. [She goes back 
to L. c, and beckons off.] Nobody in the way. Yee's can 
come in. [Nancy enters, l. c, anxiously.] 

Betsi/. [Significantly.] I'll stand guard outside. [Exits. 

Nancy. [Aside.] My heart is beating with great thumps ! 
[Breathless to O'Keife.] You are Mr. Keife O'Keife ? 



24 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Keife. That is xny name. Will you be seated ? 

Nancy. I called once before to-day. [^Looking round.'] 

G' Keife. [Aside.'] She disseminates an odor of jessamine. 
She's the one ! 

Nancy. An old gentleman refused to announce me unless 
I saw you in his presence. 

Keife. That's all right. "We let him go about loose ; he's 
perfectly harmless. \Crosses, E., to conceal his rage.] 

Nancy. I went away, watched my opportunity, saw the 
servant at the hall-door, and gained her assistance, for I must 
have a private interview with you at once. 

Keife. You are having it now. Pray be seated. What 
can I do for you ? 

Nancy. [_Sits e. of taUe, 7nyst.eriously.] A new play is 
produced at the theatre to-night — bv you ? 

Keife. \_Draioing his chair back.] By me ? You are mis- 
informed. 

Nancy. [Dratcing nearer.] True, the plot, incidents, and 
characters are by Stanley Thorn ; but the masterly construc- 
tion is yours. 

Keife. [Drawing farther aioay.] Who told you tliis? 

Nancy. Four months ag-o j'ou received a letter signed 
Stanley Thorn. It contained the sketch of a play and a re- 
quest for your assistance in giving it shape and getting it pro- 
duced. You were taken with the plot, accepted the offer, and 
communicated with Thorn. He exacted one pledge : that no 
one should know your collaborator until after the first produc- 
tion — and you promised, on your word of honor, not to betray 
him by word or writing, no matter what should happen. Is 
this true ? 

Keife. \JDrawing hack.] My dear Miss 

Nancy. I am married ! 

Keife. Then, my dear Madame — what relation are you to 
Stanley Thorn ? 

Nancy. [After looking roimd cautiously — then drawing her 
chair closer.] Stanley Thorn is myself. 

Keife. [Starting uj), crosses, l.] By Jove ! 

Nancy. [Getting excited by degrees!] Listen to me, and 
I'll explain everything. I am married. I love my husband 
devotedly. But I love to write — to see myself in print ; above 
all, I'm mad to see what I have written acted and spoken on 
the stage by real flesh-and-blood actors. My husband is one 
of the very smartest and cleverest of men in the world, but he 
don't understand ray passion. I have had to keep my secret, 
and I must conquer him by a great success or suffer defeat in 
silence. You wrote to me that you had secured a reading for 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 25 

my — for our play, then that it was accepted, then that it was 
in rehearsal, then that it would be played on the 24th, that's 
to-night ! Since then I've been mad with anxiety and sus- 
pense. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I couldn't wait to read of it 
in the morning papers — I must know all about it at once, to- 
night, on the spot, at the theatre. Vou must take me. We 
are partners in its fate. You must sit by my side until all is 
over. 

Keife. \CrQsses, e.] Excuse me, Madame, I can't do any- 
thing of the kind. 

Nancy. I am stopping at the Windsor Hotel under an as- 
sumed name, so nobody knows me. 

Keife. But I'm engaged to be married, and everybody 
knows that fact. 

Nancy. I can't see that that makes a particular differ- 
ence. 

Keife. You can't ! May I tell my fiancee who you are? 

Nancy. \^Alar)7ied.'\ Not a word before the end of the 
jjerformance. I have your word of honor. 

Keife. Cut the happiness of my life is at stake. 

Nancy. So is mine. 

Keife. This is absurd! If I had known that Stanley 
Thorn was— — [ Crosses, l.] 

Brasher. [ Outside.'] That looks like it ! 

Nancy. Sh ! [lyistens.] I hear voices in the ne.\t room. 

Keife. Very probable. 

Grijfing. [Outside.] That's more like it ! 

Srasher. [Outside.] Let me see ! 

Nancy. [Approctches door.] That voice! [Starts.] Heav- 
ens, it cannot be ! My — my husband ! 

Keife. Your husband ! With my jailer ! Things are im- 
proving. 

Na7icy. If he finds me here, there'll be a tragedy. He is 
absolutely deaf to reason when his jealousy is aroused. We 
must go ! 

Keife. [ Crosses, e., avoiding her, walks round chair, she 
following him.] Tou must, certainly. 

Nancy. Would you let me go alone ? Your partner, too ! 
A defenceless woman in a strange place ! Come, take me 
back to my hotel ! 

Keife. [Crosses, l., dodging round table.] 1 won't go to 
your hotel. 

Nancy. You must ! I have a thousand things to ask you 
that I'm dying to know. 

Brasher. [Outside] It's not there ! 

Griffing. [Outside.] Oh, we're not half through. 



26 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Nancy. \_Startsr\ Some one's coming ! Let us go ! 
\&eises O'Keife's arni^ 

Keife. [Crosses, e., dro2)s into chair, n. c] But I have 
no hat. 

Nancy. Here's one ! \_Seizes Beashee's hat from table, 
and puts it on his head.'] They're coming ! Fly ! [Drags 
him off, c] 

Brasher. [Enters, e., excitedly.'] What do you keep that 
rubbish on hand for, when it's no use ? [GEiFFiNG/b^to?t's 
him in.] We've lost precious time, I tell you ! [Stops .nid- 
denly, and sniffs about hint.] 

Griffing. What are you doing ? 

Srasher. Don't you smell anything ? 

Griffing. [Sniff's, turning round to R.] No ! Yes ! It's 
jessamine. 

Brasher. My wife's favorite perfume ! 

Griffing. Your wife's ! 

Brasher. She's been here ! 

Griffing. [Suddenly exultant.] She has ! [Jiicshcs to 
Keife's room, darts in — utters a cry, then re-enters.] Gone ! 
Both gone ! Never mind ! We're on the track ! 

Brasher. [Crosses, E.J On the track ! [Rolling up his 
sleeves and throinng back his coat-collar.] 

Griffing. We'll find 'em both ! Come on ! 

Brasher. Where the devil's my hat ? Some one's stolen 
my hat ! 

Griffing. Never mind your hat ; keep your head ! We've 
got 'em ! Aha ! And I've got you, young man, tight. 
[Drags Beashee of.] 

CUETAIN. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 27 



ACT II. 

Scene. — Parlor JSTo. 117, Windsor Hotel. The door c. leads 
to the corridor. Doors k. and l. lead off into other 
rooms, though there are bolts on both. The bolt on the 
door L. is draien y the door e. is closed, and a handsome 
sofa partly covers it. Cabinets and other articles of fur- 
niture about the apartment. Pictures on the walls. 
Divan and table, c. / easy-chairs, e. 

At rise of curtain the stage is deserted. After a short pause 
knocking is heard softly at door l. It is rejyeated tico or 
three times. At last the door opens a little, and Oeiana 
2mts in her head. 

Oriana. Anybodj' at home? \Enters and loolcs around?[ 
Nobody here ! 

Daisy. \Enters after her. She is in street-dress.'] Has 
she gone out ! 

Oriana. The hall-porter said he hadn't the key, so tlie lady 
must be in. 

Daisy. \^Crosses up to door c. Obi an a gets to l.] She 
may have taken the key with her. \^Goes to door c. and tries 
to open it.] Locked ! 

Oriana. What a pity ! I would have liked you to make 
her acquaintance. She's a charming woman ! 

Daisy. What's her name ? 

Oriana. Well, really now — I don't know. 

Daisy. When did you meet her"? 

Oriana. At breakfast, in the dining-room, down-stairs. 
We were at the same table, and got into conversation. Her 
manner captivated mother and me, and when we discovered 
we had adjoining rooms she proposed to leave the door be- 
tween our rooms unlocked, so we could enjoy each other's 
company during- our stay. 

Daisy. That's very imprudent. There are so many inter- 
esting strangers who are very dangerous people. 

Oriana. I won't let you insult my latest friend. [ Crosses, 
R. ] Let's return to mamma ! 

Daisy. [ITolding her back.] As we're here, let's stay and 



28 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

have our chat out. I have not told you yet that I 

[Sif/hs.] 

Oriana. That you what ? 

Daisi/. [Si{/hs.~\ Something has liappened ! 

Oriana. What ? 
Daisy. [»SVf//;s.] I've lost something. 

Oriana. [Lookiiir/ for the things.^ Your locket ? 

Daisy. \_tSighs, turns a little away.] If that were all ! 

Oriana. Your watch ! 

Daisy. [Another step atcay.] Oh ! more, much more ! 

Oriana. Your diamond-ring ? 

Daisy. Oh, pshaw — can't you guess ? [ Crosses, e.] 

Oriana. I can't imagine for the life of me. 

Daisy. Indeed ! You think you are the only girl tliat can 
fall in love. 

Oriana. Oh ! it is your heart you have lost. '[Laitghs.'\ 
Who is the finder? Has he claimed his reward? 

Daisy. [Hattiiny off.] I'll tell you all about it. [Doth on 
divan.] You know him ! We met him at Saratoga — Captain 
Renseller. Don't you remember — last summer ? 

Oriana. [l.] What does j'our papa say to it all ? 

Daisy. Oli, of course, papa's opposed. He wants me to 
have that creature, Siksey Stockslovv — and has forbidden Paul 
the house ; but Paul hit on a capital scheme. He thought of 
your Keife, and he became his old college-chum immediate!}', 
and now they're inseparable. 

Oriana. So my Keife is in the plot. 

Daisy. Oh, he's a perfect darling. [Oeiana groios ttn- 
easy.] But stop — before I forget it — he wants us to go to 
the theatre to-night to see the new play. 

Oriana. The new play? That's strange! [Crosses, e.] 
You're the second person who has sjaoken of the new play to 
me. 

Daisy. The second ? 

Oriana. My unknown friend here mentioned it at break- 
fast. Now I remember, she got quite animated about it. 

Daisy. Indeed ! Do you know I don't like all this ? [His- 
ing.] 

Oriana. Why ? 

Daisy. How does the play concern her ? Your O'Keife is 
the author. 

Oriana. No, it's anonymous — she told us. 

Daisy. Well, he betrayed himself to me. 

Oriana. You must be mistaken, dear. Mr. O'Keife is a 
well-known author. Why should he conceal his name, when 
publicity would help the piece ? [ Crosses, l.] 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 29 

Daisy. I'm not mistaken at all — and what I want to know 
is, how this person here came to be interested in it ? I hope 
she isn't an old flame of Mr. O'Keife's. 

Oriana. \^Alartned.'\ Daisy, j-ou frighten me ; I feel a dart- 
ing pain right through my heart. Can he have deceived me? 

Daisy. There certainly is a mystery. 

Oriana. No, I won't mistrust him. He never loved a creat- 
ure before he met me. 

Daisy. Oh ! of course. 

Oriana. Would you suspect your Paul ? 

Daisy. That's a different thing. [Oeiana tos.^es her head 
and crosses, e.] My Paul's a soldier, and soldiers are more 
reliable than authors. 

Jlrs. Dangery. [ Outs^de^^ Oriana ! Daisy ! \Enters, l. 
D.] What are you doing in here ? 

Daisy. We are gossiping, auntie. 

Mrs. Dangery. What ! in your neighbor's room ? — in her 
absence ? 

Oriana. She won't object. 

Mrs. Dangery. ^Crosses, c] I'm expecting my brother. 
He'll never come up here. We must see him in the parlor. 
So come with me at once. 

Daisy. [ Crosses, c] We'll go down by the elevator. It's 
such a heavenly feeling to glide down. I wish we lived at a 
hotel, if only for the elevator. 

3Irs. Dangery. Daisy — you're a baby ! Well, come, let 
us go and glide. [Exits, l. d.] 

Daisy. [7c> Oriaxa, loho stands lost in thought^ Have 
I disti'essed you, coz ? 

Oriana. \Emhracing her?[ Oh, no ! but I can't get to- 
night's play out of my head. \They exeunt, l. d.] 



The stage remains empty for a moment. Then a key is heard 
grating in the lock of c. door ; the door opens ; then 
Nancy and O'Keife enter. The latter reels in, almost 
crushed in spirits. Nancy takes the key out of the lock, 
inserts it on the inside, closes and locks the door. O'Keife 
staggers down to divan, and sinks on it, laying the lohite 
hat on table, c, as he passes down. Nancy lays aside 
her wrap and hat, and confronts O'Keife. 

JVcNicy. [On entering.] Here we are ! [Cowizh^ <o O'Keife.] 
Whnt's the matter '? 

O'Keife. \_0n divan'.\ 0, nothing ! I'm out of breath. 
You simply flew up-stairs — and I had to fly after you. 



30 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

N'ancy. [k.] I shun the elevator. It's easier to avoid ob- 
servers on the stairways. They are generally deserted. 

Keife. What on earth had we to hide for ? 

Nancy. Remember the danger. My husband has evidently 
suspected something, and has followed me. I know him. 
[ Wrings her ]ianxls.'\ lie's cruel ! cruel ! 

Keife. \_0n dioan.^ Very. He declines to be deceived 
and blindfolded. These husbands are really absurd in their 
pretensions. 

Nancy. If he learns that you and I have business with one 
another, unknown to him, and finds us together, what shall 
we tell liim ? [ Crosses, l.] 

Kclfe. \Itcsolutehj , rising^ Let us see him at once, and 
tell him the truth. 

Nancy. Not before the play is over. Remember your 
promise. 

Keife. If he finds us first, he'll listen to nothing. M^hat 
will he think? Now, j'ou know, you are rathera good-looking 
woman. 

Nancy. And you're not such an ugly-looking man. 

Keife. Thank you ! Now, what do such a couple generally 
seek in each other's society? 

Nancy. [Laicghs.] Love, of course. [Crosses, n.,laughmg 
loudly.] 

Keife. Don't laugh ; I'm serious. 

Nancy. [Tho^ighffuUy.] You're right ; he'll believe the 
worst. 

Keife. He won't stand it. 

Nancy. He'll be furious. 

Keife. Ar^d very properly. 

Nancy. He'll proceed to extremities. 

Keife. Shoot me first, and allow you to explain afterward. 

Nancy. [Fiercely.] Well, wouldn't you ? 

Keife. Don't mention it. [Sinfcs on divan, c] 

Nancy. [Sits beside him, takes his hand, and strokes it.] 
Ktq you afraid, my dear partner ? 

Keife. [e.] I wouldn't be if I deserved it — but I don't. 

Nancy. [Strokes his hand.] Calm yourself. 

Keife. Don't take hold of my hand — it makes me feel as if 
I ought to be shot. 

Nrncy. [Takes his hand again.] Let us look at it calmly. 
[Sits closer beside him — he edges of.] The city is wide, and 
days might elapse before he finds a trace of me. Meanwhile, 
the veil falls to-night with the curtain, and then we can lift 
our heads in the proud consciousness of innocence. 

Keife. I hope we may. [Starts ««/>.] 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 31 

Nancy. \Retaining his hand.'] Now tell me about our 
play ? Does it promise well ? 

Kejfe. Yes — \'es — I think it'll be an immense success. 

Nancy. \_Greatly rJelighted, and forgetting hei-fear.'] Tell 
me all about it. \_Pulls him doton beside hei-.'] Oh ! if you 
only knew how every word thrills me. 

Keife. [Growing enthusiastic, and also forgetting his 
fears.] Yes, we're on the eve of a great victory. 

Nancy. Do they think the plot a good one ? What do 
they say about it ? 

Keife. The manager tells me that the critics are racking 
their brains to discover tlie author. Every one asks : "Why 
don't he reveal himself ? " " Is it a man or a woman ? " 

Nancy. [Clasps her hands.] It's lovely ! Oh ! I'd like to 
be a little mouse and listen to all their talk. How does the 
love-scene in the third act go ? 

Keife. Oh ! that's grand ! Grand ! 

Nancy. Remember, that's by me. 

Keife. I can compliment you on that scene. Every word 
is a spark — every breath is fire. Tliere's an atmosphere of 
passion pervading it through and through. 

Nancy. To write like that one mnst feel it. 

Keife. By Jove 1 A certain husband is to be envied. 

Nancy. And the situation at the end of the fourth act, 
will that take ? 

Keife. Oh! that sensation will make a great hit. • That's 
mine, you know. 

Nancy. Yes, yes. And the ladies ! I do hope they'll 
dress well. If they wear anything unbecoming, it will ruin 
the whole piece. 

Keife. Oh ! they won't. The manager pays, and they 
don't stint themselves a bit, you may be sure of that. 

Nancy. And the person that plays my heroine, is she 
young and pretty ? 

Keife. Oh ! charming ! The most dashing creature you 
ever saw. 

Nancy. I hope she's not too lively. The character repre- 
sents a woman of languid intensity — emotional strength, with 
apparent physical weakness, you know. 

Keife. Oh ! she'll do it to the life. Looks as if she were 
going to faint away in every scene. 

Nancy. Mercy ! I hope she won't — the part requires last- 
ing- powers. 

Keife. She's got 'em ! She's as strong as a horse. 

Nancy. Oh ! I wish I were seeing them all acting now. I 
long for to-night like a child. [Takes his hand caressingly.] 



32 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Keife. [Drawing his hand aioay.'] If we are to do any 
more plays together we must consult by letter. This sort of 
thing is too dangerous. [Rising.^ 

Nancy. \Laughingi\ You're a perfect bo}' ! 

Keife. You may laugh. You're married ! I have my 
wife to earn yet, and by the strictest circumspection. 

JSfancy. Oh, yes. You told me. You're engaged — is she 
handsome ? 

Keife. Very. A different style from you — but in my 
opinion better designed for lasting happiness, \_fiits again.^ 

Nancy. How strange life is. [ Going to take his hand, he 
withdraws it.'] Here we are sitting together — I a loving wife, 
you a faithful _/!Vwice — conspiring like a couple of guilty plot- 
ters ! It's lovely, isn't it ? 

Keife. [jSniilingly.] Well, it's certainly not disagreeable. 
[Abo2tt to take her hand. A knock is heard at c. d. They 
start, and stand staring at door. Pause, then another Jcnock.^ 

Nancy. [Soft.ly.'\ Some one is knocking. 

Keife. [ Vrhis2iering.'\ So it seems. 

Nancy. \_Sanie.'] Shall we open ? 

Keife. [Same.] Perhaps it's one of the bell-boys. Ask 
him what he wants. 

Nancy. You mustn't be astonished if he tells that I regis- 
tered as Mrs. O'Keife. 

Keife. [Staggering back.] What in Heaven's name did 
you do that for, eh ? [Knock.] 

Nancy. I couldn't think of any other name, and I had to 
act in a hurry. [Another knock heard.] Sh ! [Finger to 
lips to Keife, and she asks softly.] Who is it ? 

Brasher. [Outside.] Nancy! 

Nancy. [Staggers back, and faintly.] My husband ! 

Keife. [Jn alarm sinks on divan.] This is a nice mess ! 

Urasher. [ Outside.] It is I, your husband. Don't you 
know your husband? 

Keife. [LoiK, stopping her as she gets near c. d.] Don't 
let him in ! For Heaven's sake, don't let him in ! [Knock 
again, and he runs do ton front frightuned.] 

Nancy. [Motions Keife to be silent, then.] You here ! 
What brings you here ? 

JBrasher. [A?igrily.] Open the door, or I'll break it in ! 

Nancy. Ye-es ; wait a minute. [Goes to door, l., looks 
off, and motions Keife to enter, l., and he totters feebly off, 
with a desperate glance at Nancy. She then goes to c. door, 
and opens it coldly.] You may come in. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 33 

Beasuer rushes madly in, leaving a black hat which he wears 
on chair near door. Looks ahorU in all corners, and 
then confronts Nancy, breathing heavily. 

Kancy. [ Very defiant.'] Well ? 

Brasher, [e.] Well ? 

JVancy. [Same.l Wiiat's the meaning of this ? 

Urasher. You have deceived me ! 

Nancy. \_Calm.'\ About what? 

Brasher. \_^hows her the envelope.] Look at this ! 

Nancy. A burnt envelope. [^Recognizes it, then disdain- 
fully.] You have been searching- through ni}' papers. [i?e 
takes stage, e.] Shame ! 

Brasher. [ Calming himself] Where is that sick relation 
you came to visit ? 

Nancy. [After x>ause, turns on him.] Dead! 

Brasher. Since when ? 

Nancy. She never lived. 

Brasher. I thought so! [ C?'0sses, L.] Then why did you 
leave home ? Why did j'ou deceive me ? Nancy, answer me. 
The blood is mounting to my head. My eyes see a thousand 
sparks, and a million bees seem liumming in my brain. Some- 
thing terrible will happen ! [Sinks onto divan.] 

Nancy. [Goes to table, ^jours out a goblet of water, and 
offers it to him.] Drink that ! Cool off ! 

Brasher. You are making fun of my anger. 

Nancy. I know what's best for you ! [Imperiously.] 
Drink ! [Beasher involuntarily puts the glass to his ilpis.] 
Aren't you afraid I've poisoned it ? [Scornfully.] 

Brasher. [Puts glass on table.] If you had, it would have 
been a relief to me. [ Crosses, e.] 

Nancy. Are you done with your accusations? [He sinks 
into chair, e.] Well, I confess I have deceived you. [He 
starts up>.] I had to come to the city. I had to come alone, 
and I needed a pretext, and I thought of a sick relation. I 
have a secret. You have a right to know it — for you are my 
husband, I shall not keep it from you. [He advances eagerly 
to her.] To-morrow you shall know all. Perhaps to-night. 
Are you satisfied ? 

Brasher. Nancy, only tell mo. 

Nancy. Not a syllable now. To-night everything. What 
have you been thinking of me ? Haven't I loved you ? 
Haven't I made you happy ? And now, because I keep a 
secret from you for a few hours you think the very worst of 
me. Oh, Tippy, Tippy ! j^ou have wounded me deeply. 
[Turns from him with a sob, sinks on the divan.] 
3 



34 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Brasher. {Half won over, tenderli/.] Now, Nancy, don't 

Nancy. [Ciyinc/.^ I can't help it. You see how I'm dis- 
tressed. I've missed you dreadfully since 1 left home, and 
here you break in upon me without a word of preparation, and 
overwhelm me with iusulting suspicious. [Sobs.^ 

Brasher. I'm wrong ! I know it ! Don't go on so, Nancy. 
[Pause.] I apologize. [I<}:(lls on his k7iees.] You did per- 
fectly right. 

JSTancy. {Tenderly, her arm over his neck.] You great, 
clever, good old goose. Did you think I was running away 
from you? [Draws him beside her on divani] Come, now, 
sit down sensibly. By and by you'll see I couldn't act other- 
wise. [Head on his shoulder.] Do you still love me? 

Brasher. [Catches her head, in ecstasy.] Do I ? [Holds 
back.] That perfume ! How did your jessamine get into old 
GriflSng's house ? It was that set me on your track. [iStarts 
up.] 

JVancy. That's part of my secret. 

Brasher. [Advances to her.] Is that old fellow in it ? 

Nancy. M'^ait until to-night. Don't torment me with ques- 
tions I cannot answer. [Embraces him.] We're reunited — 
we've embraced — we are proof against every suspicion ! Very 
well ! Now, until midnight I have no husband. I'm single 
once more, and you're a bachelor, just as you were when you 
came, saw, and conquered poor me. 

Brasher. [Rises, crosses, e.] You single and I a bachelor 
again — w-what do you want me to do ? 

JVancy. Why, you must go away, of course, and not come 
near me until night. Where is your sense of propriety ? 

Brasher. [Crossing, l.] Oh ! hang it, this is like play- 
acting, and you know how I hate and despise a sensible woman 
doing that stuff. 

Nancy. It's for your happiness, too. And now please 
go. 

Brasher. Go ! Where in thunder can I go ? [Stage, R.] 

Nancy. Go walk about. I must be alone. Do you stilL 
mistrust me ? 

Brasher. No. But it's hard not to. [Takes up the hat 
which O'Keife left.] 

Nancy. [Kissing him.] Until midnight, then. 

Brasher. [ Besigned.] All right ! [2\irns the hat mechan- 
ically, and suddenly recognizes it^/lares up.] What's this ? 

Nancy. What's what ? 

Brasher. [In fury, showing hat.] Look here ! 

Nancy, "\^'ell ? 



KANCY AND COMPANY. 35 

JJrasher. I lost this hat at Griffing's, and now I find it 
here. [Staffe, e.] 

Nancy. [Aside.] Oh ! dear 

JSrasher. You've got a man somewhere about here. 
[Searches room af/ain ; %tp e. atid down l.] 

Nancy. Well ! This is the last straw ! I was at Grif- 
fing's, as you know, and I found your hat there, and I took 
it to confront you with as a proof of your jealousy and mis- 
trust. 

lirasher. To confront me with it ? I like that ! [Point- 
ing R. and L.] What doors are those ? 

Nancy. They are ordinary hotel-doors, I suppose, and 
locked. 

Brasher. [Getting round to l.] I'll break them open. 

Nancy. [Terrified.] Do! Make a disturbance! Rouse 
the whole hotel, and accuse your wife before the servants. 
What do j'ou care for my reputation ? What do you care if 
our happiness receives a blow from which it can never recover? 
You don't love me, you never loved me ! [Gradually going 
from sobs to tears.] You are trying to bring about a separa- 
tion. Go on. I wont stop you ! I can do nothing ! [Sits, 
c, and loeej^s.] 

Brasher. [Controlling himself with an ejfort.] Very well, 
I'll go ! But 1 don't believe you, and I think you're play-acting 
to gain time. I know there's a man about here somewhere, 
and I'll find him — for I'll watch in the passage, and shan't take 
my eyes from your door. [Going to door.] When he comes 
out, don't you follow, for it'll be no place for ladies ! [Exits, 
slamming the door after him.] 

Nancy. It's a shame to worry him. [Locks door.] 

Keife. [Rushes in violently from l. d., and stands against 
it.] Oh, Lord ! how's this going to end ? 

Nancy. What's the matter now? 

Keife. Somebody's coming into that room. 

Nancy. You look frightened to death. 

Keife. It's enough to turn a man's hair white. Just as 
your esteemed husband was bellowing his loudest in here, I 
heard a key put into the other door of that room, and then a 
voice which made my heart jump into my throat, the voice of 
the woman I'm to marry. 

Nancy. [Astonished.] Miss Dangery ? 

Keife. Yes ; Oriana. Imagine my position. In here, your 
husband ready to kill me ; and my fiancee coming in tiiere to 
discover me hiding and cast me off forever. It was a delight- 
ful alternative — finally I preferred certain death, and here I 
am. [ Crosses, E.J 



36 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

N^ancy. You're not safe now. Your Oriana may step in 
here any moment. 

Keife. [Going, c.J I can get out that wa}^ 

JSTancy. No, you can't ! Othello is outside waiting for you. 

Jxeife. Thanks for the cheerful information. Can you sug- 
gest a solution of the difficulty? 

JVanci/. I have an idea. [Goes to door, e.] Help me. 

Keife. What are you going to do ? [ Goes to her.'\ 

Nancy. Don't you see ? Move this sofa from the door. 

Keife. [After assisting Aer.] And now, what ? 

JSTancy. [After imholting the door.'\ Now knock. Per- 
haps the occupant is in the room. 

Keife. It's a last hope ! [Knocks?^ 

Nancy. They seem to be deaf. Knock again. [He does 
soi\ 

Stoclxslow. [From the other side of the door.l IIullo, 
hullo, there ! Who's making that little noise? 

Nancy. Please unlock your door ? 

Stocksloio. [Inside, titters.] What for ? 

Nancy. A lady wishes to see you immediately. 

Stocksloio. [Inside.] Ah, very well, I'll move my little bu- 
reau first. [Apiece of furnitivre is heard moving.] 

Keife. It seems to me I know that little voice. [Gets, l.] 

Stocksloio. [Enters, e. d.] Now, ma'am ! [Sees Nanct.] 
B3' Jove, a pretty little lady ! 

Keife. [Aside.] The stock-broker. [Aloud and embar- 
rassed.] The fact is, Mr. Stockslow- ■ [Crossing, c] 

Stocksloio. Oh ! was it you knocked ? 

Nancy. [7h Keife.] Introduce me to the gentleman — 
brother. 

Keife. [Puzzled.] Eh !— what? Bro-brother ? 

Stocksloio. [Crossing, c] Oh ! you're his little sister? 

Nancy. My poor brother is a little confused. You see, he 
is in danger of being surprised here, and can't make his es- 
cape because the doors are watched. So I took the liberty of 
appealing to you to ask if j'ou would give him shelter for a 
short time. 

Stocksloio. Oh ! [Hegins to smile.] I begin to see. 

Nancy. Do you understand ? 

Stocksloio. Perfectly. [2'itters.] Of course it would be 
very dangerous for little brother to be caught with little sis- 
ter. [Titters.] 

Nancy. [Aside.] Now I've ruined everything. 

Keife. [Aside, down e.] She makes the worst blunders I 
ever knew. 

Nancy. At all events, you'll grant my request? 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 37 

Stocksloto. Of course ; one little fellow must oblige another 
little fellow. I may have a little sister myself some day. 



[Digs Keife's ribs. 
Kcife. \Farious. 



Come, brother ! 

Stop that, sir. \Stochslow gets on his e., 
and repeats the action, tittering.] I resent your conjectures, 
sir. 

Stock.ilow. [Tb Nancy.] Funny little brother ! [Digs him 
in. the side again. O'Keife starts away to l.] 

Nancy. Go — go — gentlemen ! [Grosses, c] Don't waste 
precious time. 

Stocksloie. Bye-bye, little sister — if you want another lit- 
tle brother, think of me. [£^xits, E. D.] 

ICeife. I'll go with you. [Crosses, e.] But I tell you you're 
entirely mistaken. [Stocksloio laughs, 02<tside.'\ His mouth 
must be stojiped, or old Gritfing will know everything. Oh, 
Oriana, Oriana, you are floating away from me — I feel it ! 
[jE.rits, R. D.] 

]Va?icg. [Closing the door.] I'm afraid I've made a bad mess 
of it. [£jnocki>ig heard at door, i..] But it was high time; 
someone is coming. Come in ! [Oeiana a?id Daisy enter, 
L. n.] 

Oriana. Are you in at last ? I've told my cousin so much 
about you, that she insisted on coming. [Introducing,'] 
Miss Daisy Griffing — Mrs. — Mrs. — I've really forgotten your 
name, do you know. 

N'ancy. [Pretending not to hear, crosses, c] If your 
cousin resembles you, I have made two charming acquaintances. 

Oriana. You're very kind. 

Daisy. [Aside.] Strange she won't mention her name ! 

3Irs. Dangery. [Enters, t,., followed by G'RiY'Fi'tfQ.'] Fair 
neighbor, my brother wants to be introduced to you — to thank 
you for your attentions to us. 

Griffing. [ Crosses, c. ] Madame, I [Recoqnizes her.] 

The devil ! 

ISFancy. [Aside, crossing, e.] How unfortunate ! [Boios.] 

3Irs. Dangery. Why, what's the matter, Ebenezer ? You 
stand there thunderstruck. Has her beauty overcome you ? 
[Aside to him.] Would you like her photograph, too ? 
[Oeiaxa gets round to Daisy.] 

Griffing. 'Sh ! [To Nancy.] It's no empty phrase, 
ma'am, if I say I'm awfully glad to meet you. [Sniffi,ng the 
air.] Jessamine ! got her at last ! [Jiubs his hands.] 

Kancy. I'm happy to make your acquaintance. 

Griffing. To make it ? Is that the right word ? 

Daisy. So you've met before ? 

Nancy. [Quickly.] Your father is mistaken ; we have not 



38 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

met before. [ Volubly ; crosses to Mrs. Dangeet.] Have you 
done much shopping yet, Mrs. Dangery ? 

3Irs. Danger)/. No ; I've only paid a few visits so far, Mrs. 
— Mrs. — dear me, do you knov? I've forgotten your name. 

N'ancy. \Lai((jh!ng.'\ It's wonderful hov? time passes in 
a large city. We country people really live much longer. 

Oriana. [Aside.^ She won't give her name. 

Waiter. [Knocks at door, enters from l. d., ^oith a card on 
a saloer.^ 'Souse me. I found nobody in No. 115. But 
there's a lady down-stairs who axed me to bring up dis yer 
card to dat room. 

3Irs. Dangery. \Tahes card?[ Let me see ! [iJeacfe.] 
"Mrs. Snooksberry ! " How glad I am! [2b Nancy.] 
Please excuse us. An old friend. \^To Waiter.] Show 
the lady up. Come, children. \Exits after Waiter, l. d.] 

Daisy. [To Oriana, as they go off.'\ It's very strange. 
[T/tey exeunt, after looking back suspiciously at Nancy.] 

Grijfing. [ Closing the door after them, laughing, and then 
facing Najstcy.] So I've found you out. 

JVancy. [Straightens herself up, n.'] What do you mean 
by that ? 

Griffing. Oh ! you may save yourself the trouble of deny- 
ing. 

Ifancy. What do you mean by this tone, sir ? 

Griffing. I know everything — Mrs. Tippy Brasher. 

Nancy. Everj^thing? Every what thing ? 

Griffing. Your husband is outside. 

Nancy. I know that. 

Gri'ffvng. He is infuriated — wild. 

Nancy. [Smiling]. No. I've tamed him. [ Crosses, l.] 

Griffing. Don't you think that's rather strong ? 

Nancy. I am not afraid of anyone. 

Griffing. Not of me either, perhaps. 

Nancy. Of you — not at all. 

Griffing. You forget, I know your secret. 

Nancy. What secret ? 

Griffing. Your relation with Mr. Keife O'Keife. 

Nancy. Keife O'Keife ? Who is he, pray ? 

Griffing. [Aside.'] By Jiminy, she's Isold ! Awful bold ! 
[Admiringly^ So you didn't call at my house this morning ? 
You didn't inquire for Mr. O'Keife ? and you didn't want to 
see him privately ? You didn't leave an odor of jessamine 
in my parlor ? You didn't 

Nancy. Didn't — didn't — didn't ! Anything more ? My 
dear sir, it's plain to see that you know in reality nothing, and 
that vou are trving to fish. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 39 

Griffing. Very clever ! But it won't do ! \,Tovially.\ 
Come- — suppose we have a little chat ! Sit down side by side, 
and listen quietly to an old and worthy person. [Site 07i 
divait.^ Will vou, please ? 

Nancy. {Aside.} Old fox ! But wait ! [Aloud.] I 
obey. [Sits beside him.] 

Griffing. Your husband is my friend. You left the poor 
fellow under false pretences, and he has every reason to be 
anxious and suspicious. But he loves you. It's easy to make 
a lover believe black is white. Now, ni undertake to con- 
vince him that you are perfectly innocent and blameless — on 
one condition. 

N^ancy. [Pretending deep emotion.] My dear old friend 
— let me say father ! — if you would but do that ! 

Griffing. I think I can manage it. [Aside.] Her toucli 
is like an electric batterer. I feel a tingling in every finger. 
[Aloud and smilingly.] Yes, I think 1 can convince him. 

JVancy. [Pretends overwhelming Joy and takes his hands i?i 
hers.] You're an angel ! 

Griffing. I am. [Snuggers %q) to her.] 

Nancy. [Drai/ji»ig off".] And your conditions ? 

Griffing. Only a trifle. In return for my aid, you must 
confess everything connected with that hypocrite, O'Keife — 
and if necessary, furnish me with the proofs. 

Nancy. What's that for? 

Griffing. That's mv business. Service for service ! 

Nancy. [Aside.] Wait, old gentleman, I'll lead you a 
pretty chase. [Aluud and as if usl tamed.] You can't really 
want me to tell you 

Griffing. I'll make it easy for you. I'll ask and you'll an- 
swer. [^is«f?c.] She's a whole perfumery counter. 

Nancy. [Eyes loiccred.] Ask me, then. 

Griffing. You have known that rascal for some time? 

Na?icy. Yes. 

Griffing. Since when ? 

Nancy. [iSame.] For months. 

Griffing. You have corresponded? [She nods.] The vil- 
lain ! Are you in his power? [/She nods.] The scoundrel ! 
Why don't you cast him off? 

Nancy. I cannot. 

Griffing. Why not? 

Nancy. [As before.] I can't tell you. 

Griffing. Whisper in my ear. [She does .so ; it tickles, and 
he rubs his ear.] Louder. [She rcjyeats.] You tickle me. 
[She repeats. lie rises.] I can't hear ; but go on. 

Nancy. I dare not. [Pises, e.] 



40 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. [Excited.] Come. You promised to tell me 
everything. [ Pp to her, slyly.'] Have you any of your photo- 
graphs with you ? 

Nancy. No. 

Griffing. That's a pity. 

Na}icy. Why ? 

Griffing. [Slaps his chest.] Pull up, Ebenezer ; beware of 
— the vortex. [Coldly.] No matter. Can you furnish me 
proof of all this ? 

Nancy. The whole dreadful tragedy will be revealed to- 
night. 

Griffing. [Appalled.] A tragedy ? [Crosses, r.] 

Nancy. [Seizing his wrist.] To-night ! at midniglit ! 

Griffing. [Staggered.] Gracious Heavens ! [Nanct 
laughs in his face.] What are 3'ou laughing at ? 

Nancy. [Langhing.] I wish you could see yourself now ! 
[Laughs.] You must manage more cleverly, old gentleman, 
if you want to pump me. 

Griffing. [Aside, e.] I see. She's changed her mind. 
But it won't do. [Aloud.] It won't do. I know enough, 
and I pity that poor husband of yours. 

Nancy. [Sternly.] If you become impertinent, sir, I'll 
show you the door. 

Mrs. Dangery. [Enters l. d., followed by Oriana and 
Daisy.] My visitor has gone. Come, brother, you've had a 
long tSte-d-tSte ; we mustn't weary our friend any longer. 

Nancy. Oh, we've had a delightful chat. I don't know 
when I've enjoyed myself so much. 

Griffing. [Aside.] No, I don't think you do. 

Captain. [Entering from l. c] Excuse me, but I found 
nobody in No. 115. 

Daisy. [In delight.] Paul ! 

Griffing. [Angrily.] What do you want here, sir ? 

Captain. I did not come to ask after your health, sir. [To 
Mrs. Dangert.] I was looking over the register below, and 
saw your name. You were so kind to nie at Saratoga that I 
couldn't deny myself the pleasure of paying my respects. I 
hope j'ou are very well. And Miss Oriana too ! 

Mrs. Dangery. Thank you, yes. [To Nancy.] Allow 
me [Introducing.] — Captain Paul Renseller. 

Nancy. [Bows^] Charmed ! 

Griffing. [Tb Daisy a/i(Z Oeiana, osjiie.] You must leave 
this person's room at once. 

Daisy. We are not afraid, papa. 

Captain. [To Nancy.] Pardon me, madam, I didn't quite 
catch your name. 



NANCY AND C05IPANY. 41 

Nancy. [Not heedin(/.'\ Won't you be seated, Mrs. Dan- 
gery [Crosses, c] and young ladies ? [Crosses pastMns. Dan- 

GERT.] 

Oriana. [Aside to Geiffing.] Isn't it strange she won't 
tell her name ? Do you know her ? 

Grijfing. Yes. She is your O'Keife's old sweetheart. 
[Oriana screams cmd half faints in chair, 'l.'] 

J/rs. Danger)/. [Huns to her.] What has happened ? 

Nancy. [Also runniny to her.] She has fainted. 

Mrs. Danyery. Water, somebody ! [Nanct pours out 
loater.] 

Oriana. [ Convidsively.] Take me away from here ! I'm 
choking ! 

Mrs. Danyery. Come to our room. [Taking her in. her 
arms and going l.] 

Nancy. [Rim s ahead.] I'll open the window. [Exits, 'l.d.] 

Mrs. Danyery. My poor child ! [Exits, l. d., with Oei- 

ANA.] 

Daisy. [Going l.] Pa, what was it you said to her? 

Captain. [Following round tahle.] Perhaps I can be of 
assistance. [Also going to x. d.] 

Griffing. Daisy, stay here. [Putting her to e.] • 

Daisy. They may want me. 

Griffing. Stay where you are. 

Captain. [2\trning back at door.] Perhaps I'd better 
staj' where I am, too. A man would only be in the way. 

Griffing. Here, you ; what do you want here ? 

Captain. Allow me to ask what you want here. We're 
both on somebody else's premises. 

Griffing. You persecute my daughter. 

Captain. Miss Daisy, do I persecute you ? [ Crosses, c] 

Daisy. Not at all. 

Captain. You hear, sir ! [ Whispers to Daisy.] I have a 
letter for 3'ou. 

Daisy. [ IVhispers, sa7ne.] So have I- — for you. 

Griffing. [Crosses, c] Here ! here ! no whispering there. 

Captain. Make your mind easy, sir. I'm not actuated by 
selfish motives. My poor abused foster-brother has written a 
long epistle to Miss Oriana, and I undertook to deliver it. 
Please hand this to your cousin. Miss Daisy. [Hands Daisy 
a letter quickly ichich she seizes and hides.] 

Griffing. [Ste})s beticeen them.] What a dear self-sacrific- 
ing friend you are. My daughter's no lamp-post — I mean no 
post-box, sir. [To Daisy.] Give me that letter. [To Cap- 
tain.] Do your own letter-carrj'ing, sir. 

Daisy. [Hesitating while changing the letters.] But, pa 



42 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. Out with it. [Daisy, with apparent reluctance, 
hands him her own letter, which he passes over to the Captain.] 
Here is your epistle back again. [ With a siieerJ] If you 
want to get ahead of me, young fellow, you must get up earlier 
in the morning. \^Turns up stage.^ 

Captain. \^As he looks at the letter, and pockets it.l Thank 
you. I believe I did oversleep myself this morning. 

Grijfing. Now, don't you think we'd better leave ? We're 
on somebody else's premises long enough. 

Captain. My very thought. 

Grijfing. As my future son-in-law, little Stockslow, stops 
at this hotel, somewhere along this corridor, I think, I'll paj^ 
him a visit. Daisy, go to your aunt ; make the Captain a nice 
bow and go. 

Daisy. Good-morning, Captain. \_Asidc.^ I have his 
letter ! \^I}x.its, l. d.] 

Griffing. {^Points to door, c] If you please. 

Captain. After you. 

Griffing. I don't like to lose sight of you. [ Unlocks the 
door, c] 

Cap)tain. You shall never, as long as you live. \_Exits, c] 

Griffing. Conceited puppy ! \_Exits, r. c. Immediately 
Gexffing is off', Brasher utters a loud, Jierce cry and ex- 
claims : " I've got you."] 

Captain. [ Outside.'\ But, sir ! 

Griffing. \^Outside.\ My dear Brasher ! \^Captain dashes 
in, endeavoring to shake Brasher off'. Griffing follows, 
trying to explai7i.^ This is Captain Renseller, United States 
Army. [Brasher bows an apology and shakes hands with 
the Captain, and all three exeunt. Brasher, last, " I'm wrong 
this time, but I'll watch 'em and catch 'era yet."] 

Enter Oriana and Nancy, l. d. 

Nancy. You wish to speak with me alone ? 

Oriana. [Excited.'] Yes, for I must clear up a terrible sus- 
picion. 

JVctncy. You alarm me. 

Oriana. I'm engaged to be married. Enviable destiny, is 
it not ? I thought so once, for I loved the man of my choice, 
and believed I was the idol of his thoughts. 

Nancy. Calm yourself. [Both sit.] 

Oriana. [l.] I was warned; reminded that men of genius 
were fickle and inconstant. I remained deaf and blind. But 
my uncle, who hears and sees everything, only a moment since 
whispered to me that it is you he loves, and not me. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 43 

JVanry. Who, j'our uncle ? 

Oriana. No — my lover. \^Rises mid crosses, ■r.'\ 

Nancy. \_Proudly.^ I permit no one to love me but my 
husband. 

Oriana. Is there such a person ? 

Nancy. Well, upon my word. 

Oriana. Why are you here? Why do you speak of that 
play to-night ? 

Nancy. \^Confused.~\ The play ? 

Oriana. You can't deny you were all on fire about it to us ; 
and it is his play — you understand — his play ! 

Nancy. II is play ! \_Angrily.'\ Did he tell you ? 

Oriana. Never mind — I know. And novr tell me, hon- 
estly — as one woman to another — do you know, do you love, 
Keife O'Keife ? 

Nancy. [Z'ectffcf?.] No. 

Oriana. Oh ! Thank you ! Thank you ! [^Grasps her 
hand — as the door k. is opened leildly, and O'Keife rushes in 
and closes it madly after him, Nancy starts away.'] 

O^Kcifc. Hide me ! Hide rae ! Old Griffing is coming 
into that room. \Goin.g doiiinto'HKTSC\i\ Hide me quickly ! 
\tiees Oeiana, wlio has dropped Nancy's hands.] Good 
Heavens ! [Stands j^etrified.] Oriana ! 

Oriana. [At first sjjeechless, then with growing agitation.] 
You don't know him ! And yet he rushes into your room and 
asks you to hide him ! 

Keife. [One step forward?^ Oriana! 

Oriana. \_Recoiling.'\ Don't approach me ! Don't insult 
me by further attempts at deceit. You have acted your part 
well for three months ; you must be weary of it at last. Be 
what you please, and to whom you please ; as for me, all is 
over between us forever ! [Exits, l. d., slamming door.] 

Keife. [About to folknoT] Oriana ! [Sinks on the tete-d- 
tSte.] 

Griffing. [Appears i'/i. doorway, e., slani)ning door after 
him, crosses to Keife.] Stop ! After what has occurred, Mr. 
O'Keife, you will not be surprised at my requesting- you to 
leave my house. [Turning to Nancy, who glares at him.] 
You will hardly be at a loss for a home. 

Keife. \ Exploding.] I tell you, sir, it's a mistake! A 
damnable mistake ! 

Griffing. Oh ! no. The only mistake was in your suppos- 
ing that you could hoodwink Ebenezer Griffing. I give you 
half an hour to go home — pack up and get out. 

Keife. [Going, c, and utterly dejected.] I'm lost ! 
Nancy. My poor friend ! * 



44 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Keife. You can save me. Speak one word 

Nancy. To-nig-ht. 

Keife. To-night it'll be too late. It's almost too late now. 
[ Goes, c] 

Griffing. [Hursts out laughing, on divan. '\ He's dead as 
a hammer. The husband on the other side of that door. \_Gets, 
L. As Keife is about to open, the door, c, it is violently 
dashed in his face, and Beashee appears with waiter carrying 
the office register.'] 

Srasher. Aha ! I've found you at last ! Your name ! 

Keife. It's none of your business. 

Brasher. Your name ! 

Naiicy. [e.] Don't tell him. 

Gri'ffing. [l.] Keife O'Keife — that's his name. 

Brasher. yGrasping the register.] I thought so. My wife 
is registered here as your wife. \_Raises the book to strike. The 
servants hold him.] Let me get at him ! [O'Keife dodges 
and crosses, e. Beashek fres the book, and it strikes Grif- 
fing.] O Nancy ! Nancy ! 

Nancy. Fly! [O'Keife cZas/ics oi^^q/'c^aor, c, a« Brasher 
breaks from Nancy, icho has flung her arms about his neck. 
The other doors open. Stockslovt aptpears, e., and Mrs. 
Dangeey and Daisy appear, l. d.] 

Curtain. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 45 



ACT III. 

The same scene as Act I. Time, evening. Lamp lit on table, 
c. N^ot quite half dark. In front of table a large valise 
open. Several books and pamphlets and rolls of 3ISS. 
on the table, and on the floor near it. On the easy-chair 
are some articles of O'Keife's clothing and a large travel- 
ling rug of fur or plaid. On sofa, E., is his heavy ulster. 
O'Keife's hat on the table. 

O'Keife is discovered packing books, etc., in his vcdise, at c. 

CKeife. [Scratching his head, after a glance round, while 
on his knees.^ Everything' was in here once, but how am I 
going to get 'em in again ? 

Griffing. [Enters from e. c, loith an open letter in his 
hand; stands a moment, contemplating O'Keife.] Aha! 
Packing tip to move ? [O'Keife continues his loork in 
silence.} You don't answer ! [Sits e. of table.} 

O'Keife. No. 

Griffing. Why not? 

O'Keife. You're my enemy. 

Griffing. I'm down on hypocrisy, tliat's all. 

Keife. You talk rubbish. [Continues to pjack.} 

Griffing. You wrote this letter to my niece asking for an 
interview. [O'Keife looks up, and then resumes piacking.] I 
might oppose it, but I don't. Your request is granted. 

Keife. [_Getting up.] She consents ? 

Griffing. She consents to hear what you have to say in ex- 
culpation. I'll be present, of course. 

Keife. [ With a sneer.} Of course. 

Griffing. The fact is, I'm curious to hear how you will 
wriggle out of it. 

Keife. You've done me injury enough, without adding in- 
sult. 

Griffing. Now don't froth up. Your guilt is beyond 
doubt or contradiction. The lady's own confession establishes 
that. 

Keife. What confession ? That woman's capable of any- 
thing:. 



46 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. Now, don't attempt too much. Don't ask my 
niece for forgiveness, or I may be unable to restrain myself, 
and demand your correspondence. 

Keife. I'll show you every one of her letters. 

Griffing. I don't mean her letters ; I mean yours. So take 
a gentlemanlj'' and respectful leave of Oriana. That's all I'll 
allow. \_Eises.'] 

Keife. \_Angry, rising.'] You've nothing to allow. If you 
remain, you will sit down and be quiet, for I shall address 
nothing to j'ou. If you intend to interrupt the conversation 
whenever you please, I shall decline the interview. [^Crosses, 

K.] 

Griffing. Oh, I won't interrupt. Tm only too anxious to 
hear everything you've got to say. 

Keife. I hold you to that, then, remember ! 

Griffing. \_Goes to arch, e., and calls off.] Oriana ! [Dei- 
ana enters frotn arch, e.] 

Keife. My dear Oriana ! 

Oriana. [ Very reserved, l]. What have you to say to 
me, sir ? 

Griffing. Please to remember that my niece is not your 
dear Oriana any longer. I want that understood to begin 
with. 

Keife. [Crosses, c, gently pushing Geiffing aside ; Geif- 
FiNG, staggering, falls on the sofa.] Miss Dangery, I beg you 
will ask your uncle to be quiet. His remarks incense me — 
the}' make my blood boil, and deprive me of the calmness I 
wish to observe in speaking to you. 

Griffing. \ Crosses, c, to interrupt.] Well, I 

Oriana. [To Geiffing, seriously ^^ If I am to remain, I 
must request you to be silent. 

Griffing. [Testily:] Well, I'll keep still ; but don't let 
him presume on his past rights ; they're all gone. [Looks on 
from one to the other. Ktsive pushes him back.] 

Oriana. [To Kisifb.] Go on, please. 

Keife. [Tenderly and entreating.] Shall I remind j'ou, 
Oriana, how we first met — how the same spark of love ignited 
our hearts together ? Shall I describe the lamb-like patience 
with which 1 have endured the refined tortures of that man 
during the three months I have been under his roof and in his 
power ? 

Orifflng. No! [Checks himself. Keife pushes him 
back / he staggers to chair, near fire.] If I hold in any 
longer, I'll explode ! 

Keife. My enemies have wrested the most trivial circum- 
stances to mv iniurv. You have lost faith in me. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 47 

Grtffing. Small loss! [Keife fooA's ai hbii — he changes 
position, and begins to stir thefire.'\ 

Keife. You may well ask me, then, what it is I ask of 
you. 

Griffing. \^As before.~\ Yes; that's what we all ask. \^llut- 
tles poker on the bars.'] 

Keife. \_As before.'] It is my last request. I ask you to 
give no thought to me or my affairs until to-morrow morning, 
to believe nothing j'ou hear or have heard against me until 
then. After to-night, I shall scatter the calumnies of my 
enemies as the sun scatters a fog. [Glares at Griffing, who 
groans and rakes the fre.] If to-morrow moi-ning 1 do not 
stand before you justified in every way — then turn your charm- 
ing head from me forever, then believe all they tell you of my 
deceit, and repulse the hand I stretch out to claim you. Say 
— will you trust in me until to-morrow morning? 

Oriana. \_Has stood witJi headaverted, now turns to him.] 
I would gladly — if 

Keife. I entreat you as if I pleaded, not for justice, but 
for mercy. 

Oriana. Well, until to-morrow. Oh ! if I could only bury 
myself until then, so I might see and hear nothing. 

Keife. Thank you ! Thank you ! {Kisses her hand.] 

Grifjing. [ Comes between them, poker in hand.] Here ! 
That'll do ! That'll do ! To-morrow morning won't save you. 
Answer me one little question now : Do j'ou know Nancy 
Brasher, or do you not? Have you had dealings with her, or 
have you not? 

Keife. [T'o Oriana.] Slialll answer? 

Oriana. [Calmly.] Answer nothing. 

Griffing. [Working himself up to fury.] Perhaps you 
don't know the jessamine wiiich gives that person's presence 
its intoxicating perfume ? or the magic of her sparkling con- 
versation ? or the fire of those eyes which she sinks into your 
very soul ? or the electricity of her fascinating fingers ? or 

Keife. No ; but you seem to know so much that I begin 
to suspect that you — yourself 

Griffing. [Coughs.] How, sir? Me — I [Goes up, 

raking fire furiously. ] 

Oriana. Mr. O'Keife is right, uncle [crosses, c] ; vou spent 
considei'able time in the lady's society this afternoon. At all 
events, your statements are to be received with caution. [To 
O'Keife.] Until to-morrow. [Exits quickly, e. c] 

Keife. [Calling after and crossing.] Until to-morrow! 

Griffing. You shall pay me for that last shot. I'll wind 
the net round and round you before to-morrow. 



48 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Jxjiife. Unless you wind yourself up in it, I simply defy 
you. 

. Betsy. [Enters, c; makes a holt toioard Or iffi,i7g.\ Young 
Mr. Sikes Stockslow wants to see Mr. O'Keife. Is it in I'll 
show him ? 

Griffin.ff. Of course it's in _vou'll show him. 

Hetsy. Very well, sor. \To Stockslow] This way, sir. 
[Admits Stockslow and exits.'] 

Stocksloic. Good-day, little papa ! Your little servant, 
brother ! 

Griffing. Well, out with it. What do you want with him ? 
Let me tell you it won't help you to be too friendly with 
him. » 

Keife. [To Gkipfing, e.] I believe I have still the right 
to receive a call here. [ To Stockslow.] What can I do for 
you, sir ? 

Stocksloxo. Well, it's a very disagreeable little commission, 
and no money in it for me. But we can't say no when another 
little chap makes it a point of honor. 

Keife. Please come to the point. 

Stockslow. You know Mr. Tippy Brasher, I believe? 

Keife. Very slightly. 

Griffin.g. [Sits 'l. of tahlei\ That's true ! He knows him 
very slightly. 

Stockslow. Well, he thinks there's something between you 
and little — little — sister, you know. [Titters-I 

Keife. Does the man want to call me out? 

Stockslow. Yes. He wants me to be his little second. 

Keife. Stuff. 

Stockslow. He's very game stuff. You are to have the 
choice of little thingembobbies. 

Keife. Very good. Say revolvers. Across a handkerchief 
— to-morrow morning. Handkerchiefs are worn quite small 
now — less chance of missing each other. 

Stockslow. You really accept? 

Keife. It would be extremely ill-bred to refuse so polite 
an attention. 

Stockslow. You're too funny ! Who's your little friend? 

Keife. [Crosses, c, to Geiffing.] Will you oblige 
me ? 

Griffing. Certainly not. I'm no little friend of j'ours. 
[Rises.~\ 

Keife. It's immaterial — arrange the matter entirely as you 
please, Mr. Stockslow, and let me hear from you to-night. 

Stockslow. Then I'm through. 

Keife. With me — yes. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 49 

Stockslow. He, he ! [Titters, then crosses, c, to Geiffixg.] 
How's Daisy? 

Griffiiiff. Out shopping! for her wedding. [Claj^s him 
on the shoulder.^ I admire your pluck. I didn't think vou 
had so much fight in you. 

Stockslow. Oh ! I don't have to fight. 

Griffing. No, but as his second j'ou will have to hold one 
end of the handkerchief, and as they'll both be shaking a little, 
you may come in for some of the pepper. 

Stockslow. [Scared, then titters.^ I guess I'll get a little 
table-cloth. [Exits, c. R.] 

Griffing. [To Keife.] Well, I begin to pity you myself. 
You really are getting into deep water. Well, you'll have to 
swim for it ; and make your mind easy, I won't jump in after 
you. [Exits, E. c] 

Keife. All's well ! To-morrow will settle everything. When 
the curtain falls to-night, a weight falls from my heart ; the 
scales fall from everybody's eyes — Oriana falls to me, and 
then huzzah for happiness ! [Resumes his packing, c] 

Captain. [Enters, l. c, after looking in.~\ How are you, 
foster-brother ? Nobody here but you ? 

Keife. You're just in time to help me move. 

Daisy. [Enters quickly and softly, l. d.] Mr. Keife, did 
Paul — Oh, there you are ! 

Captain. [Opens his arms.'\ Daisy ! Fly to me ! 

Daisy, [liashfuily.] The idea ! 

Captain. What's the harm ? We're alone. [Crosses, l. c] 

Keife. Here, I like that ! 

Captain. [Holding Daisy's hand?^ I'm sorry, O'Keife, but 
we can't recognize your existence. We don't know when we 
shall succeed in meeting alone again, and I have very important 
matters to communicate to Daisy. 

Keife. [Taking his hat^ My time is limited, but I can go 
out for five minutes. 

Capjtain. Noble character ! 

Daisy. [To Keife, bringing him doion e.] No, no — you 
must remain. [Takes his hat and puts it doion.'\ I have no 
objection, however, to your putting your head occasionally 
into your valise. [Gets, e.] 

Keife. All right ! I'll dive into the trunk as often as my 
necessity for breathing will allow. [Kneels and resumes 
2}acking.'\ 

Captain. [To Daisy.] You read my letter ? 

Daisy. Yes ; what was it you had to tell me ? 
Captain. You have often wondered, I have no doubt, why 
I never came out boldly and asked your father for your hand. 
4 



50 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Daisy. Well, I thought you knew best -when to speak. 

Captain. I did, and I \Yas waiting for only one thing. 
You know how small my pay is. It wouldn't support the 
smallest mite of a wife in the world. 

Daisy. I never thought your pay was an objection. 

Captain. It's my only shortcoming. Well, I've written 
my father all about my love and our distress-^and I've just 
received his answer. 

Daisy. \^Infea7\'\ Oh, dear ! what does he say ? 

Captain. If I drop the army, marry a good wife, and come 
and live with him, he'll attend to all the rest. Isn't he a 
father ? 

Daisy. [Delighted.^ He consents ! Did you mention my 
name ? 

Captain. Yes. He told me to give you his love. [ Opens 
his «r»is.] Here it is ! 

Daisy. \^Loohs at Kbife.] 

Keife. I dive ! \Pops his head in valise.'\ 

Captain. [^Embracing Daisy, and turning her to his h.] 
Daisy ! my own ! 

Daisy. No, I'm not your own yet. There's my pa. 

Captain. What objection can he possibly make if I give 
up my shoulder-straps ? 

Daisy. I don't know. He's the greatest inventor of ob- 
jections that ever lived. 

Captain. Courage ! Before a month's passed we'll be man 
and wife. 

Daisy. It makes me shiver all over. [Getting away from 
him.] 

Captain. Warm yourself at my heart. [Opens his arms. 
She looks around at Keife.] 

Keife. I pop ! [Dives into valise.] 

Captain. My darling, my darling ! I'll ask my father to 
come on to-morrow, and we'll turn the matter over to him. 

Daisy. We haven't a day to lose. 

Keife. [Head in valise.] If I'm not greatly mistaken, 
some one is coming out. I hear footsteps. 

Daisy. From where ? [Keife points toward the parlor, 
c] The parlor? Mr. Stockslow's in therewith papa figuring 
over my dowry. 

Captain. The cold-blooded monster! [Crosses,!..] I'll 
step in here. 

Daisy. No ! Pa gave that room to auntie and cousin 
Oriana. 

Captain. But I must hide somewhere. [Goes, e.] 

Daisy. That's papa's room ! 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 51 

Keife. Get in the valise. 

Captain. That's your divinsT-oTound. I'd rather sit. 
\_Talces the ulster off sofa, e., and covers hitnse/f.] How's 
that ? 

Daisy. You'll suffocate ! 

Captain. No. I'm very warm and comfortable. 

Juiife. [c] The steps come nearer. 

Daisy. Blow out the light ! [Eiins out, l. d. O'Keife 
bloiBs out lamp — sta^e dark — moordight from loindow, l.] 

Wancy. \_Enters, l. c] Pst ! pst ! are you there? [Doicn 
R. c] 

Keife. \StacigeredI\ What on earth brings 3'ou here ? 

N^ancy. I had to come. I can't content mj-self. The girl 
here let me in without a word. 

Keife. Sh ! not so loud ! \^Draios her doion l.] 

Nancy. Aren't you alone ? 

Keife. Yes ; but some one might overhear from the ad- 
joining rooms. 

Kancy. \Following him, l.] You will take me to the 
theatre, won't you ? I can't ask my husband. He's a smoul- 
dering volcano. 

Keife. Yes. He's a nice fellow ! Just sent me a chal- 
lenge. Expects to shoot me to-morrow. 

Nancy. So soon ! Can't you get him to postpone it ? 

Keife. Why should I ? We drop tlie veil of mystery to- 
night. 

Nancy. Yes, if the play makes a hit. If not — I dare not 
tell him. 

Keife. Oh ! now ! come, I say ! You distinctly agreed. 
Think of me ! [Crosses, l. | 

Nancy. How selfish you are ! \_Seizes his hand.^ Listen 
to me ! We're on the brink of failure. 

Keife. Nonsense ! 

Nancy. I have just come from the theatre. I heard there 
that they may have to postpone the pla\-. Their principal 
comedian has been suddenlj' seized with hoarseness. 

Keife. Impossible ! He rehearsed this morning. 

Nancy. Can't you go and see liim ? Beg him to recover 
his voice just this once, to oblig'e a lady. 

Keife. He shall play if he has to do it in pantomime. \^Go- 
iny, L. c] _ 

Nancy. [Following him, sto^j>s.] Some one's coming ! 

Keife. Go away, quickly ! 

Nancy. I can't ; I must wait till you come back. My 
agitation and anxiety are too great. 

Keife. If you're found hei-e, there'll be no explaining. 



52 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

N'ancy. But I won't be found ; I'll hide. [Goes down-L., 
and takes up lap-rug from chair.l I'll sit here as quiet as a 
mouse. [»SJte and conceals herself.^ 

Keife. \Entreating.'\ No — no — you must go away ! I beg 
of j'ou — oh, Lord — too late ! 

Griffmg. \Enters, e. c] Haven't you done packing yet ? 

Keife. [Taking his hat from c] If I go — what will hap- 
pen here? \Looks from e. to chair, not heeding Griffing.^ 

Griffing. Going out ? 

Keife. Heavens! What a night ! \^Goes vj?.^ After me, 
the deluge ! [Rushes out, l. c, crushing his hat on his 
head.] 

Griffing. He's wandering ! He's crazy ! [JLooIcs around.] 
I'll have his things packed and stored. What's all this trash ? 
[jBends over vahse, c, and looks at scattered objects utitil his eye 
rests on Nancy's feet, which arepieeping out from the rug. lie 
vripes his glasses ancl scrutinizes.] A foot ! A human foot ! 
and, to judge by its dimensions, a lady's foot. [Goes nearer, 
and aside.] A very pretty foot ! Covered by that hypocrite's 
rug. [Comes, c] It's she ! [Mubs his hands gleefully.] Aha, 
my dear Mr. O'Keife, we won't wait until to-morrow to clear 
you up ! We'll do it to night— right away ! I'll bring Oriana 
and show her that foot and its fair owner. [Going, e. c] So 
that's why he was so confused. Oh ! the double-dyed dyna- 
miter ! [He steeds off softly, r. c. When he' swell off, the rug 
and cloak are pushed aside. Nancy and the Captain emerge 
and look after Geiffing, then tm-n and face each other.] 

Nancy. Ha ! 

Captain. By Jove ! [Tliey conceal themselves as before. 
After a moment they emerge again from the other side of the 
covering.] 

Nancy. Sir ! [Rising.] 

Captain. Captain Renseller ! [Rising.] You remember, 
this afternoon ? 

N'ancy. Oh !yes, yes ! In ambush ? [Half laughi] 
Capitain. No, skirmishing ! And you, Madame ? 

Nancy. On the retreat ! 

Captain. [ Offers his hand.] Are we enemies ? 

Nancy. On the contrary, we must be allies. 
Captain. Then we must cover our movements carefully, 
for the enemy is returning to the attack. Change places with 
me. [He goes hurriedly to her seat, and she to his. Roth cover 
themelves as Griffing enters, e. c, bringing in Oeiana.] 
Oriana. Unc-le, what is the matter? 

Griffing. [ On tip-toe.] Sh ! You're not to speak ; only 
to look ! 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 53 

Oriana. ['Wliispering.'] But tell me 

Griffing. Stand there ! [Places her doien, c] and cast 
your eye this way. [Points to, l., choir.^ 

Oriana. What for? 

Griffinxj. Behold ! [Suddenly throws off the rug and dis- 
coi'ers Captain.] The devil ! [Drops into chair l. oJ' table-] 

Oriana. What's this? 

Captain. Good evening ! 

Griffing. H — how did you get here? 

Captain. [As both rise^ I heard your footsteps, and not be- 
ing prepared to ask after your health again, I thought I'd 
try to pass unmolested. 

Griffing. [Gasping.] What do you want ? 

Captain. [Gets to o.] To help my old friend O'Keife to 
pack. [Ktieels by valise.] 

Oriana. [Crosses, l.] For shame, uncle ! You suspected 
]Mr. O'Keife had somebody else behind this rug. I see it all. 
You needn't trouble yourself any further. I will wait until 
to-morrow. [Going.] 

Griffing. [Getting round table.] Send Betsj' in with a 
lamp ! We want more light ! [Oriana exits, l.] 

Captain. This constant excitement on your part must be 
very injurious. 

Griffing. If I get a fit of apoplexy, it's on your conscience. 

Petsy. [Eniei-s, L., with a lighted lamp.] Good evening! 
[Puts lamp on table and closes jjorti&res at window, l. Gap- 
tain is kneeling at valise, back to audience.] 

Griffing. [Loolcing at Captains feet.] He hasn't a very 
big foot — and yet I can't make it out. 

Petsy. [ Comes to Geiffing, r. c, tcith a photograph.] I 
found an old photograph of mine in my chest. It was taken 
a twelvemonth or so ago, but it looks first-rate. I wore my 
hair a la Langtry then. If you like it you can kape it. [Cap- 
tain laughs.] 

Griffing [ Confused.] Your picture ! [ Ct-osses, c] What 
do I want with your picture? [Takes an uneasy glance at 
Captain.] 

Petsy. Sure, you asked me for it. 

Captain [Laughing.] I see — Volume X. You are adding 
to vour collection. I congratulate vou ! 

Petsy. [b.] Me, sir ? Why ? 

Griffing. [Crosses, l.] The Captain's fond of making- 
very poor jokes. Turn that lamp up more, and then go. 
[Betsy _/7'«es lampi.] 

Ca2jtain. Everything's fish that comes to your net, 
eh ? 



54 NAKCY AND COMPANY. 

Griffing. [Seated, l. of table.] I don't understand you. 

Captain. Allow me to take this opportunity to propose 
for the hand of your daughter. [Still kneeling.] 

Griffi/ig. You select a fine moment. 

Captain. I'vq just discoverd that you possess a remark- 
ably tender heart. 

Griffing. Will you be quiet ? 

J3etsy. [Has fixed the lamp, and now lifts the corner of the 
cloak as if to fold it — discovers Nancy.] Oh ! [She drops 
the corner.] 

Griffing. [Crosses, u.] What's that ? 

JBetsy. I — I — hurted myself with a pin. [Runs out, l. c] 

Griffing. [Sjyeaking after her.] I told \o\i to go ! 

Caj>tain. Now, sir, your answer ! 

Griffing. [Looks at chair, e., and sees Nancy's foot 
again.] Aha ! 

Captain. What's the matter ? Have you scratched your- 
self with the same pin ? 

Griffing. No, no ; nothing ! [Aside.] That foot ! Tliis 
time she shan't escape me. [Ruhs his hands gleefully.] My 
dear Captain — I'm not in a frame of mind to answer you at 
present. So we'll make it another time. 

Captain. I love Daisy ! [Jizsc^.] She loves me ! Think 
of two weddings on the same day. O'Keife leading your 
niece to the altar — I leading Daisy. Two bridals — and only 
one breakfast. There's a chance for you to save money ! 

Griffing. [Cunningly.] Would you be satisfied to be mar- 
ried on the same day O'Keife marries my niece ? 

Captain. Do you consent ? 

Griffing. [Turning half away.] I consent. 

Captain. [Clasping his shoulder.] My father ! 

Griffing. Not just yet ! We don't know what may hap- 
pen. 

Capttain. But I have your word ! 

Griffing. Oh, it's a bargain. When my niece marries that 
reprobate, you may have my daughter — not before. [Turns 
his back to him.] 

Captain. [ Violently embracing his back.] I'm wild with 
joy ! [Goes, c] Papa ! [Exits, l. c] 

Griffing. I'll kill two fine birds with one stone. [Looks 
at chair, e., as he goes, l.] I'll summon my whole family 
to see the fun. [Exits, l. d.] 

Xancy. [Peeps, and sees him off; then rises.] How un- 
fortunate ! And nobody here to help me ! [Bkashee's voice 
heard outside. She starts.] Heavens ! Tippy back here 
again ! Where can I go ? [Looks toward the windoio, l.] 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 55 

Ah, the window ! \_IIides behind the curtains as Brasher 
enters, c. i.., in disorder.] 

Srasher. I've been walking the streets for three hours, 
and everything swims before me. I've been fished ovit from 
under yellow cabs at every crossing. This is where that 
wretch is stopping. How hot ! I'm suffocating ! I must 
open that window. \^Malces a few stejis toward it ; the cur- 
tains are seen, to move very violentbj.] Ah ! the curtains are 
blowing — the window must be open. The heat's in here. 
[Taps his hcad.\ What do I want here, aiij'way ? [*Si7s.] 
I remember ! I went back to the hotel. She had gone out. 
The hall-porter asked me if I was Mr. O'Keife. [Laughs hys- 
terieally.] I, Mr. O'Keife ! Then he asked me if I were a 
friend of his. I — I — his friend ? [Sardonic laugh.'\ And I 
answered yes. Then he told me the lady in No. 117 had left, 
and she had gone to call on him. The lady in No. 117 ! 
That's my wife ! Yes, yes, now I remember ! That's what 
brought me here. I want to surprise them — to confront them 
— convict them — then ! [Controls himself l\ But she hasn't 
got here yet ! Nor he ! I'll wait ! 

Griffiny. [Outside.^^ Come in, all of you ! 

Mrs. Danyery. [Outside^^ What's your hurry? Give a 
body a moment ! 

Brasher. They're coming ! I'll observe. [Covers himself 
icith the cloalc on sofa, r.] 

Griffiny. [Outside.] Come in, all of you, and convince 
yourselves ! 

3Irs. Danyery. [Enters, l. d., vnth Griffing, followed by 
Oriana and Dalsy ; in a tchisper to him.'] What is it any- 
way ? 

Griffiny. We're going to bag a poet. 

Mrs. Danyery. Brother, you are all the time seeing ghosts. 

Griffiny. Not exactly a ghost this time, Huldj' — a fairy ! 
Or, to be more exact, Mr. O'Keife's fairy. 

Mrs. Danyery. Girls, he's got 'em ! The spirits are ap- 
pearing to him. 

Griffiny. Huldah, remove the cloak from that sofa. [Mrs. 
Dangert yoes over to r.] The feet are still there, but they 
seem to have grown a second time. 

3Irs. Danyery. [Removes eloaJc and discovers Bkashek.] 
What's this? [77ie two yirls lauyh at l.] 

Griffiny. Tippj^ Brasher ! 

Brasher. [Hisiny, yruffly^ Good evening ! 

Mrs. Danyery. Mr. Brasher ! 

Oriana. Is that all for to-night ? [Crosses p>0-st Daisy.] 
Uncle, I am really becoming very tired. 



56 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Griffin ff. [To HuAsii^K,, ftirioiis.] What brings you here ? 

Uras/ier. [liishiff.'j If you take that tone, I can go. 

Griffing. ^Crosses to him soothingly.'] No, no ; I didn't 
mean it. 

jBrasher. [Gloomily.] I'm a,iter her and him .^ 

Griffing. [7b Oeiana, triumj^hantly, crossing from one to 
another.] You hear, you hear ! he's after them both ! [To 
Brasher.] She refuses to believe one word against them. 

Brasher. [Crosses to Oriana.] Shake hands with me, 
miss ! I wish I could say the same — but I found them to- 
gether, found her registered in his name, found his writing 
in her papers ; and yet, when she says to me, " Tip, you're 
a fool. It's all right ! " I'd give my life to say, " Nancy, I 
know I'm an ass ! " [ Crosses, r.] 

Griffing. Soft ninny ! [Gets, l.] 

Oriana. Do as I do ! Be patient, and wait till to-morrow ! 
[O'Keife appears, l. c] 

Daisy. Here he is ! 

Keife. [Half aside ^ The whole gang ! [In dismay.] 

Brasher. Sir, where's my wife ? ' 

Keife. You're going to shoot me to-morrow, so you've no 
right to question. 

Brasher. Will j'ou or will you not 

Keife. Excuse me ! I shall be at everybod^f's service after 
twelve o'clock to-night. 

3Irs. Dangery. [As the clock commences to stril-e.] Well, 
that's only four hours off. [Trijing to jiacify'Q'RX&Yi'E.u.] We 
can wait four hours. 

(/Keife. Eight o'clock ! I must go to the theatre. 

Oriana and TJaisy. Take us ! Take us ! 

Griffing. We'll all go ! 

Nancy. [Steps from behind the curtain.] No ! you must 
take me ! 

All. Nancy ! 

Nancy. [Passing in front and i(p.\ To the play, come ! 
[Drags O'Keife off, c. Oriana shrieks ; Daisy tries to quiet 
her. Brasher gasps ; Griffing tries to quiet him. Mrs. 
Dangery busies herself rmwiing from one group to the other.] 

Busy Tableau as Curtain falls. 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 57 



ACT IV. 

Scene. — Same as last. Alidnight. Just as the curtain is 
about to rise, the music becomes a tremolo, atid a clock 
distinctly strikes the hour of twelve. Lighted lamp dis- 
covered on centre table. 

After this, Betsy enters, l. c, followed by Captain Renseller, 
who deposits his hat and coat on a chair. 

Captain. Turn the lamp up ! Let us have more light ! 

JSetsy. The lady seems to be very hysterical. 

Captain. I hope it will soon pass over. Is that ice-water ? 
\Examines carafe on c. table.'] 

Setsy. Yis, sor. I brought it up a few minutes ago. 

Captain. I suppose there's a doctor in the neighborhood, 
in case of need ? 

JBetsy. Yis, sor ; there is one forninst the corner. Shall I 
run and ring him up ? 

Captain. No. Wait and see. [Hurries to door, c] Here 
they come ! [Nancy hurries past him all excitement and hys- 
terical. O'K-EiFE follows, and he and the Captain come down. 
She clasps her hands to her face, quite hysterically, and re- 
mains motionless.^ 

Captai?i. [ToKeife.] Well? 

Keife. [Finger to lijjs.^ Hush ! [Nancy shoios by her 
trembling that she is sobbing violently.'] 

Captain. She is weeping ! 

Keife. Thank goodness ! She'll get over it now. The 
strain' has been fearful. [Gets, e. To Nancy.] Will you 
drink some water ? 

Nancy. No. 

Keife. Shall we send for a doctor ? [Betsy exitsP[ 

Nancy. [Taking her hands from her eyes, showing traces 
of weeping.] What for? I am not ill. 

Keife. Then why these tears ? 

Nancy. [As if to herself] I had to weep. Now I feel 
relieved. What a night ! I sat in my box and dared not 
look around. My husband was at the other side of the theatre 
with his eyes riveted on me. The performance commenced. 



58 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

I felt as if I were going to die. People came in late, and no- 
body seemed to pay anj' attention to the stage. At last every- 
thing grew quiet, and tiie play began, as I thought, to make 
an impression. But the curtain fell on the first act amidst a 
dead silence. The air felt awfully close. It seemed to me as 
if the whole audience had but one pair of eyes — the eyes of my 
husband — and they never diverted their gaze from me' during 
the whole wait between the acts. Then the curtain rose for 
the second time. People commenced to grow warmer. There 
was a little applause. Only my Tip sat immovable, and looked 
at me instead of the stage. The interest rose from scene to 
scene. Mj' heart first grew quick, then excited, and finally it 
throbbed as though it would break through my side. The ap- 
plause rose to enthusiasm. The enthusiasm kept on increas- 
ing, and yet I kept on asking myself — " Is it a success? Is it?" 
Once I almost cried aloud — for I looked at Tip. He had for- 
gotten me, and his jealousy and his fancied misery — and had 
eyes only for the stage. They called for the author. They 
shouted and, screamed. You appeared ; j'ou said : " I can 
accept only a small portion of this honor, for I had a helper 
— a lady whose name, if she permits, I shall announce in to- 
morrow's papers." You looked involuntarily toward my box, 
and everybody looked up, too. I lied to the back of the 
box. They couldn't see me, but thej^ applauded, and you ap- 
plauded. But I sat there and couldn't stir. I felt a silence 
like death within me. The goal of my girlish ambition was 
reached — and suddenly I felt a dart through my heart. Every- 
thing I had done to gain this triumph appeared before me ! I 
felt the wrong I had done my husband ; the torments of doubt 
to which I had consigned him for a whim — a caprice. [ Walks 
up and doion.^ And I could have wept in remorse, but I had 
not a tear in my eyes ; and then I looked out ag'ain, but the 
house was empty ; Tij) was gone ! Oh, Tip ! good, sensible, 
loving Tip ! [2() Keife.] Where is he? Go find him ! Bring 
him to me ! Oh, Tip ! Tip ! Where are j'ou ? 

Keife. YGeiitlyJ\ We will both look for liim. Dispose 
of . us as you please. [77(.e Captain gets his hat and 
coat.~\ 

Nancy. [Jiishiff and giving Keife her hand.] Brave, 
noble partner ! Good, generous heart ! I've used you shame- 
fully, and yet you are ready to help me — the cause of all your 
troubles. I'm a horrid, selfish creature ! But I can mend 
everything. I need only speak a word to the dear girl in 
there [pointing and crossing, l.], and you'll be happy. I'll 
say that word to her at once. [Goes to l. door and knocks.] 
Oriana ! No answer, but I hear footsteps. Some one is in 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 59 

there. [JS?!Ocfc« again.'] Oriana ! Open ! It is I ! You 
needn't wait till to-morrow for the truth. It's all out, noio ! 
\^Stamps her foot angrily.'] Open, I say ! Do you want to be 
miserable all night, when you can be happy at once? [The 
bolt is drawn.] She's there ! You wait ! You shall be happy, 
too ! both of you ! [JExits, c.' l.] 

Captain. [To O'Keife.] Accept my congratulations, my 
dear fellow, both as author and bridegroom. [Keife stands 
near door, listeJiing and not heeding Captain.] Your play is 
charming ! I shouted myself hoarse, too. I never saw an au- 
dience so warm. It's good for the balance of the season. 
You'll be as rich as you are famous, too ! 

Ixeife. [Not heeding?^ Strange I don't hear her voice. 
And now her footsteps are silent, too. 

Captain. [ 'With a shrng.] He doesn't hear a word I say. 
[Goes nj) stage and throws himself in chair.] 

Keife. I hear faint breathing at the other side. She's 
listening ! Perhaps she wants me to call her. Oriana ! irty 
darling! It's I ! [The door opens suddenly and almost 
strikes him on the nose. He puts his hand to his face, as 
Geipfin'g enters, l. d.] 

Griffing. [ 'Very gruffly.] Did it hit you ? 
Keife. I should say so. 
Griffing. You're wanted in there. 
Keife. I fly ! [Exits, l. d.] 

Griffing. [Ill-humoredly.] It seems I've made a confounded 
fool of myself. I'm completely humbugged, and can't blame 
anyone. That's where it cuts. This infernal hypocrite has 
turned out to be the soul of honor — just to aggravate me. 
Now for reconciliation — ecstasies — embraces — and kisses — 
Pah ! 

Keife. [J?rside.] Oriana ! My own ! my own ! 
Grijfin.g. He's got her ! As soon as they collect their 
senses, they'll turn on me. Of course, I'm an old bear ; and, 
worse than that, I suppose they'll begin to talk over the pho- 
tographs. O ! they won't spare me. They're all relatives. I 
expect no mercy.' [Turns and confronts Captain, who laughs 
at him.] That settles it ! It only needed you to make the 
thing complete. 

Capitain. Good evening, papa ! 

Griffing. What the — [Rememhers.] The man's right ! 
He's got to have Daisy, as long as her cousin marries the 
other chap. I'm caught in my own trap. 

Captain. I hope I may now inquire after the state of your 
health ? [Sits, e. c] 

Griffing. [Sits, l. c] Thank you ! I'm pretty miserable. 



60 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

Are you aware that I have to explain this little arrangement 
to young Sikes Stockslow ? 

Captain. Don't give yourself the slightest concern about 
that. What am I here for ? I'll take that on myself. 

GriffiiKj. Will you ? \Takes both his hatu/s.] 

Captnin.. C'ertainly. Siksey and I have another little ar- 
rangement which meets this very emergency. We'll settle it 
on the spot. He came from the play with us, and is waiting 
down-stairs. Permit me to send for him. Or perhaps I'd 
better find liim before he sees you and make the announce- 
ment. [Exits, c. L.] 

Griffing. There's no denying — he's a dashing fellow ! 
Bold— quick — and full of expedients. But he'll turn any 
house he lives in upside down. Much as I love my daughter, 
I think }'oung married people ought to begin house-keeping 
apart from their parents — as far apart as possible — and as 
soon as possible. 

StocJ^slow. [ Ovtside?^ Oh ! but I say 

Captain. [Outside.'] But, old chap 

Oriffing. [Listening.^ Now they're at it ! 

Stocksloio. [Outside.] It's an outrage ! 

Griffing. I'm going to catcii it ! [Stocksi.ow enters, fol- 
lowed by Captain.] 

Stoclsloio. [To Griffing.] Why, it was only this even- 
ing you and I settled the little preliminaries. 

Griffing. Hem ! Well, you see — my dear friend ; in a mo- 
ment of over-confidence, I staked j'our happiness, my own 
■wishes, and my daughter's prospects, upon a single contin- 
gency. The contingency has eventuated, and we have lost. 

Stockslow. And you've lost the best little son-in-law you 
ever saw, if I do say it. [Crosses, e.] 

Griffing. Well, if you come to that, you've lost the best 
little father-in-law that was ever given to a conceited little 
monkey, if I do say it. 

Captain. [Crosses, c.\ Don't quarrel, gentlemen. May 1 
ask where Miss Daisy is? 

Stockslow. She's down-stairs with her aunt — complaining 
of fatigue. I was just going to say good-night and leave, 
when you came for me. 

Captain. [To Griffing.] Would you have the goodness 
to call Ijer? 

Griffing. [Tn a temper.] Well, I 

Captain. Thanks, I thought you would. [Taps bell on 
table, Betsy enters, c] Will you kindly tell Miss Griffing 
that her papa wants her ? 

Griffing. [Furious.] You young — will you 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 61 

Betsy. [Giving GniFFiifG a j^hotograph.] Here's a better 
one. [Griffixg snatches the picture from her and tears it. 
£.cit Betst, l. c] 

Captain. [^Takes him by both hands.] You shall behold 
our young friend from Wall Street resign her to me with the 
best erace in the world. 

Griffiny. What ? 

Captain. He's going to be my best man. 

Griffing. \_Crosses to Stockslow.] You'll be his best 
man ? 

StocJcslov}. W^ell, you see, in a moment of over-confidence, 
I made a little bet with him on a certain contingencj', and as 
the emerg-ency has transpired, I have got to assist in my own 
defeat. [Titters.] 

Griffiny. Don't say another word. AVe've both been too 
rash. 

Daisy. [Entering, l. c] What is it, papa ? [Mrs. 
Daxgeey follows.] 

Captain. Daisy, will you give Mr. Stockslow your hand? 
[Stockslow crosses to her, holds his hand out.] 

Daisy. Never ! 

Stocksloio. [To Captain.] She don't catch ! 

Captain. It's for our happiness. 

Daisy. I won't ! I can't bear him — and he knows it. 

Stockslow. But I'm to be the little best man. 

Daisy. Oh ! that's it ! 

Captain. Yes, that's it ! 

Mrs. Dangery. [ Crosses to e. c] Do you consent at 
last? 

Griffing. Oh, yes ; and little Siksey will lead her to her 
fate. 

Daisy. Well, I won't be led. [All in dismay.] 

Mrs. Dangery, Captain, and Griffing. [Together.] What? 
[Griffing crosses, c] 

Daisy. I'll come alone ! [Goes to Captain.] 

Captain. My own sweet bride ! [Embraces her. Stocks- 
low embraces Griffing, "who throws him offi'.] 

Griffing. Don't bother me ! [Tip Brasher appears at c, 
and looks on.] Here comes the biggest fool of the lot — not 
counting mj-self. 

Brasher. Hist ! [Beckons Griffing, icho goes to him. 
Tip whispers to him, • then they both shake hands.^ 

Griffing. There's a pair of us. 

Brasher. That's all right ! [ Whispers again to Griffing ; 
he nods approrml, and beckons to Mrs. Dangery and ichis- 
pers to her. Mrs. Dangery returns and whisp>ers to Daisy, 



62 NANCY AND COMPANY. 

who in her turn whispers to Captain, who whispers to 
Stockslow. Tip then beckons off stage, and Betsy brings 
on an immense floral ornament / other servants appear 
laden loith every conceivable shape of floral ornament: 
baskets, ships, harps, wreaths, which they place about the 
stage as Mrs. Dangekt directs. Captain lights the chan- 
delier. All this done very quickly and with animation. Cap- 
tain and Daisy and Mks. Dangeey assist. Stockslow con- 
stantly getting in the icay, and is p^ushed from side to side. 
77te stage flnally presents a floral and festive scene.'] 

Griffiiig. She'll be knocked over completely. 

Jirasher. She's coming ! Hide me ! [Mes. Dangbey', 
Daisy', Stockslow, and Captain form a barricade, e., and 
he conceals himself behind them, as Oeiana appears leading 
Nancy and follov}ed by O'Keife. All on the stage clap their 
hands.^ 

Betsy. \_Aptp)laMds vigorously.'] Hi, Hi, Hi ! [Geiffing 
takes her by the nape of neck and runs her off, l. c. ] 

Nancy. What's all this ? Who's this for ? 

Griffing. For j'ou — for your triumph. 

Nancy. You did it ? [Geiffing shakes his head. She 
turns to O'Keife.] Then you did? {^He shakes his head.] 
No ? then you ? [To Captain.] 

Captain and Daisy. Guess ! 

3Ii-s. Dangery. AVho would run out of the theatre when 
the curtain tell and send messengers to ring up every florist 
far and near, and plunder every hot-house for you ? 

Nancy. It was Tip ! My own old big-hearted, clever Tip. 
\Calls?\^ Tip ! Where are you '? 

Brasher. [Showing his head.] Here ! 

Nancy. Come to me this instant ! 

Brasher. I'm afraid ! 

Nancy. Tip ! Dear old Tip ! [He emerges, pntshed for- 
toard by the others. She clasps him in her arms and turtis 
him round.] Oh ! 3^011 dear, big goosey ! You trust me now, 
don't you ? 

Grifling. I would like to have her photograph just so. 

Brasher, [l. o/' Nancy.] I was bound you should have 
more flowers than anybody on the stage ever got. I guess 
I've done it. Let 'era match this. [Sees O'Keife, and ad- 
vances to hiin.] Sir! [Nancy urges him on by pulling his 
elboic. 

Keife. I suppose now that j-ou're forgiven — /'?« forgiven, 
[Crosses to Beashee.] 

Brasher. Lord, yes ! [B effect ively.] So vou write plays, 
too? 



NANCY AND COMPANY. 63 

Keife. A little. 

Srasher. But you never made suoh a hit as you and she 
did to-night. [Xaxct tries to restrain Ai/x.] 
Ke,ife. Never ! 

Erasher. You authors must be glad to get a smart person 
to help you now and then. [Nancy pulls him round and ex- 
postulates icith him.^^ 

Keife. He's right! [ C?'osses <o Nancy, takes her hand.] 
Ladies and gentlemen, let me present the member of the firm 
who's entitled to all of the credit. [All clap their hands.] 

Griffinc/. Speech ! Speech ! [Mes. Dangery remonstrates 
with him.] 

All. Yes! Yes! Speech! \^a.scy looks at U'Reife anc? 
Bkashee aj^pirehensivcly.] 

Brasher. Oh ! you must ! {He leads her to the footlights. 
The rest group for final tableaux. Gkiffing «?it? Mrs. Dan- 
GEEY', L. Oeiaka and O'Keife, l. c. Captaix, Daisy, and 
Stockslow, e. Beashee, e. c] 
Nancy. 

Accustomed though I am to public speaking. 
This friendly demonstration sets me quaking. 
I know your plaudits for the authors are — 
But don't forget the busy actors' share — 
So, if our little play has seized your fancy. 

The credit's to the Compan}^ 

Keife. And Nancy ! 

Curtain. 



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